Final answer:
Cohabitation before marriage has become more common, with nearly half of heterosexual women cohabiting before their wedding between 2006 and 2010. Although the traditional U.S. family structure is changing, marriage remains prevalent. The cohabitation trend reflects changing societal values, economic factors, and priorities such as education and career.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discussion about whether more than half of all marriages are not preceded with couples residing together before their wedding touches upon changes in societal norms regarding cohabitation and marriage. Contrary to past trends, recent statistics show that cohabitation before marriage is becoming increasingly common. For instance, nearly half of heterosexual women between the ages of fifteen and forty-four reported living with their partner before marriage between 2006 and 2010, a significant increase from previous years. However, the latest research indicates that living together before marriage does not have a substantial impact on the success of a marriage, with some studies even suggesting slightly better longevity for marriages where the couple did not cohabit beforehand.
This shift in behavior can be attributed to various factors, such as economic considerations, the desire for a trial period before marriage, and reduced societal stigma. The U.S. Census Bureau data underline the growing trend of cohabitation, with unmarried couples increasing significantly since the 1970s, and cohabitation accounting for 10 percent of all opposite-sex couples in the United States.
Overall, while cohabitation rates have risen and traditional U.S. family structures are evolving, the value and institution of marriage persist, albeit with new patterns emerging as individuals prioritize education, career, and personal growth over early marriage.