Final answer:
Cohabitation refers to the phenomenon of unmarried couples living together, which has increased as societal attitudes toward marriage and family structures have shifted. Economic factors, the search for companionship, and the provision of domestic partnership benefits contribute to the rise of cohabitation and more diverse family forms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon of unmarried couples living together, known as cohabitation, has seen a noticeable increase over the past decades. In the United States, cohabitation is an arrangement where two individuals, irrespective of gender, live together in a romantic and typically sexual relationship without being married.
This shift away from traditional marriage reflects a broader societal change in attitudes toward marriage and family structures. Reports indicate a growth in the number of cohabitating couples, with a significant percentage of young adults choosing to cohabit before or instead of marriage.
Changes in societal norms have led to a rise in various family configurations, such as single parents, same-sex couples, and extended households which may include extended family members. The decrease in the social stigma surrounding cohabitation has contributed to its increase.
Moreover, economic factors and the search for companionship also play a role. The 2010 National Center for Health Statistics survey highlighted that most people do not view cohabitation as negatively impacting society.
The shift in family structures has also influenced the legal and economic framework, with some governmental and corporate entities recognizing domestic partnerships.
This includes the provision of certain benefits typically granted to married couples, such as health benefits and legal rights. The recognition of same-sex relationships and the legal rights of these couples have also become an important part of the conversation.