Psychology 2035A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Voluntary Childlessness, Endogamy, Nuclear Family

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2035A/B
• Professor: Sarah Babcock

Document Summary

Define marriage and discuss the current status of same-sex marriage. Marriage: legally and socially sanctioned union of sexually intimate adults. June 2015, supreme court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Discuss six social trends that are affecting the institution of marriage. Increased acceptance of singlehood: median age of first marriages has been increasing since mid-1960s. In 2015, median age of first marriages is 27. 1 (w) and 29. 2 (m) Increased acceptance of cohabitation: cohabitation: living together in a sexually intimate relationship without the legal bonds of marriage. Reduced premium on permanence: social stigma associated with divorce has lessened. Cultures vary in their emphasis on romantic love in marriage. In western cultures, marriage for love represents an ultimate expression of individualism: up to 80% of world cultures have arranged marriages. Empirical research revealed that those in arranged marriages were significantly more satisfied than those born out of choice. Identify several factors influencing the selection of a mate.