Changing Patterns of Marriage and Cohabitation

Decline in Marriage Rates

Marriage rates in England and Wales have significantly decreased over the last fifty years, dropping by around two-thirds from 1961 to 2011. In 1961, approximately 67 men and 51 women per 1,000 unmarried men and women were getting married annually, which has declined to 22 men and 20 women by 2011. In 2012, only 67% of marriages were first marriages, down from 80% in 1971, indicating a rise in remarriages and a trend towards serial monogamy. The year 2009 experienced the lowest marriage rate since 1895, and the average age of first marriage has risen significantly, with men marrying at around 32 years and women at about 30 years as of 2012.

Rise of Cohabitation

Contrary to declining marriage rates, cohabitation has surged. The estimated number of cohabiting couples doubled from 1996 to 2012, with about 1 in 6 adults under 50 cohabiting in 2010 compared to fewer than 1 in 100 in the early 1960s. Around 80% of people entering first marriages had cohabited beforehand, with 15% of families with dependent children being cohabiting couples by 2014. Cohabitation is defined in several ways: as a temporary arrangement, a substitute for marriage, or a trial marriage.

Reasons for Changes in Marriage and Cohabitation

  1. Changing Role of Women: Women's growing economic independence shifted relationship dynamics, leading them to delay marriage and pursue careers. With increased financial independence, marriage has lessened as a necessity, allowing cohabitation to emerge as a fulfilling alternative.

  2. Reduced Functions of Family: Many traditional family functions are now fulfilled by other institutions, lessening the practical necessity of marriage.

  3. Changing Social Attitudes: Younger generations exhibit more relaxed views towards cohabitation, reducing the stigma attached and reflecting a shift towards acceptance of such arrangements.

  4. Growing Secularization: Religion's diminishing influence has led to marriage being viewed more as a personal choice rather than a sacred obligation, with fewer marriages held in religious ceremonies.

  5. Rising Divorce Rates: Increasing rates of divorce may deter couples from marriage, prompting some to regard cohabitation as a more stable choice.

  6. Reducing Risk: In what Beck termed a 'risk society,' individuals are more inclined to avoid long-term commitments like marriage, focusing on personal choices instead of societal expectations. This perception of increased risk influences decisions regarding marriage and relationships.