Cohabitation and the Evolving Nature of Intimate and Family Relationships

Cohabitation and the Evolving Nature of Intimate and Family Relationships provides a comprehensive understanding of the structures, effects, and intimate practices of cohabitation around the world, with chapters exploring transitions into cohabitation, parenting, division of labor, economic resources, elderly cohabitants, legal complications, intimate partner violence, interconnections with marriage, sex and sexuality, assortative mating, premarital cohabitation, relationship dissolution, gender ideologies, changing patterns, cohabitation and remarriage, and parental cohabitation and child development.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2023
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

In societies across the globe, an increasing number of couples are choosing to cohabitate without the traditional and legal ties of marriage. Given the diverse nature of cohabiting couples and the growing prominence of such intimate relationships, Cohabitation and the Evolving Nature of Intimate and Family Relationships offers a comprehensive exploration of the structures, effects, and intimate practices of cohabitation worldwide.

This meticulously edited collection delves into a wide range of topics, encompassing the transition into cohabitation, parenting and parental roles, division of domestic labor among cohabitants, sharing of economic resources, elderly cohabitants, legal complications of cohabitation, intimate partner violence, interconnections between cohabitation and marriage, sex and sexuality, assortative mating among cohabiting partners, premarital cohabitation and its consequences, relationship dissolution, gender ideologies, shifting patterns of cohabitation, cohabitation and remarriage, and parental cohabitation and child development, among others. This captivating reading is particularly valuable for scholars of family research, as it provides a deeper understanding of the structural, affectionate, and other aspects of cohabitation across different cultures and regions.

The chapters in this book are authored by renowned experts in the field, drawing on their extensive research and expertise to shed light on the complexities and nuances of cohabitation. Each chapter offers a unique perspective on the topic, providing valuable insights and perspectives that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of this evolving form of intimate relationships.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the transition into cohabitation. The authors examine the various factors that influence couples' decisions to cohabitate, including social, cultural, and economic factors. They also explore the challenges and benefits that arise during this transition, such as the development of intimacy, the establishment of shared responsibilities, and the negotiation of boundaries.

Another important aspect of cohabitation is parenting and parental roles. The authors examine how cohabiting couples navigate the complexities of parenting, including the division of child-rearing responsibilities, the balance between work and family life, and the impact of cohabitation on children's development. They also explore the role of extended family members and other support systems in cohabiting families.

The division of domestic labor among cohabitants is another critical topic explored in the book. The authors examine how cohabitants allocate their time and resources, including household chores, financial management, and child-rearing. They also explore the potential for gender inequality and power dynamics within cohabiting relationships.

Sharing of economic resources is another important aspect of cohabitation. The authors examine how cohabitants manage their finances, including income, expenses, and debt. They also explore the potential for financial stress and conflict within cohabiting relationships.

Elderly cohabitants are a growing demographic, and the book explores the unique challenges and opportunities that arise for these individuals. The authors examine the impact of cohabitation on elderly individuals' physical and mental health, as well as their social and economic well-being. They also explore the role of caregivers and support systems in elderly cohabiting relationships.

Legal complications of cohabitation are another important topic explored in the book. The authors examine the legal rights and responsibilities of cohabitants, including property ownership, custody, and support. They also explore the potential for legal disputes and conflicts within cohabiting relationships.

Intimate partner violence is a significant issue that affects many cohabiting couples. The authors examine the prevalence of intimate partner violence, the factors that contribute to it, and the impact it has on individuals and families. They also explore the role of law enforcement, social services, and support systems in addressing intimate partner violence.

Interconnections between cohabitation and marriage are another critical topic explored in the book. The authors examine how cohabitation affects individuals' attitudes towards marriage, as well as the factors that influence the decision to marry or cohabitate. They also explore the potential for cohabitation to serve as a stepping stone to marriage or as a long-term alternative to traditional marriage.

Sex and sexuality are also important aspects of cohabitation that are explored in the book. The authors examine how cohabitants negotiate their sexual relationships, including the frequency of sex, the types of sexual activities engaged in, and the boundaries around intimacy. They also explore the potential for sexual tension and conflict within cohabiting relationships.

Assortative mating among cohabiting partners is another critical topic explored in the book. The authors examine how cohabitants choose their partners, including factors such as age, education, income, and personality. They also explore the potential for assortative mating to contribute to social inequality and stratification.

Premarital cohabitation and its consequences are also examined in the book. The authors examine the prevalence of premarital cohabitation, the factors that influence it, and the impact it has on individuals and families. They also explore the potential for premarital cohabitation to lead to marriage or to contribute to relationship dissolution.

Relationship dissolution is another important topic explored in the book. The authors examine the factors that contribute to relationship dissolution, including communication problems, financial stress, and conflict. They also explore the impact of relationship dissolution on individuals and families, including the emotional and psychological effects.

Gender ideologies are also important aspects of cohabitation that are explored in the book. The authors examine how gender norms and stereotypes influence individuals' attitudes towards cohabitation and marriage. They also explore the potential for gender ideologies to contribute to gender inequality and discrimination within cohabiting relationships.

Changing patterns of cohabitation are also examined in the book. The authors examine how cohabitation is changing over time, including the increasing prevalence of cohabitation among younger generations, the growing diversity of cohabiting couples, and the changing attitudes towards cohabitation among different cultures and regions.

Parental cohabitation and child development are also important topics explored in the book. The authors examine how parental cohabitation affects children's development, including their social, emotional, and cognitive development. They also explore the potential for parental cohabitation to contribute to family conflict and instability.

In conclusion, Cohabitation and the Evolving Nature of Intimate and Family Relationships is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the structures, effects, and intimate practices of cohabitation worldwide. This book offers valuable insights and perspectives for scholars of family research, policymakers, and individuals interested in understanding the evolving nature of intimate and family relationships. By examining the diverse nature of cohabiting couples and the growing prominence of such intimate relationships, this book provides a deeper understanding of the structural, affectionate, and other characteristics of cohabitation across different cultures and regions.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804554197