Cohabitation vs Marriage
The distinction between cohabitation and marriage lies in the fact that both involve two people living together but under different circumstances. While marriage is widely recognized and accepted, cohabitation is not. Cohabitation refers to a situation where two individuals live together without being legally married, either temporarily or long-term. Conversely, marriage is a social institution where two individuals are legally married and is accepted by the culture and social norms in a given society.
What is Cohabitation?
Cohabitation is an arrangement where two individuals, who are not married, engage in an emotional and/or sexually intimate relationship for a short or long period. In this scenario, the couple makes the decision themselves, and they may or may not eventually marry. It is believed that Scandinavian countries were the first to initiate this trend, and currently, many nations have adopted cohabitation. This practice is more prevalent in Western countries, though some countries have banned it. Numerous factors contribute to the rise of cohabitation, including changing values in societies due to rapid industrialization, shifting gender roles, and evolving perspectives on marriage and religion. While most religions forbid pre-marital sexual relationships, changing values have led people to disregard these rules. Individuals increasingly value their independence and desire a free life. Furthermore, women have gained economic opportunities and no longer wish to rely on men. As a result, the institution of marriage has transformed into a living arrangement with fewer strict rules and obligations.
Additionally, people are spending more time on education and their careers, resulting in a global trend of delayed marriages. Cohabitation has become popular since couples find it easier to live together without entering into a legal commitment. However, only a few countries permit this practice, and most religious countries have strictly prohibited it.
What is Marriage?
In contrast, marriage unites a couple with legal guarantees. Through marriage, partners agree to obligations towards each other, their children, and their in-laws. Marriage provides security for children, giving them a legal mother and father. In most cultures, couples can only engage in sexual relationships after marriage, and pre-marital sex is forbidden. A wedding not only unites two individuals but may also unite their families. Marriage also binds the couple with certain responsibilities, and they must act accordingly after the marriage. People marry for various reasons, including financial, emotional, legal, cultural, or traditional factors, and marriages are governed by social and cultural norms. Incestuous and, in some countries, inter-racial or inter-caste marriages are prohibited. Marriage can be either an individual choice or influenced by parents. There are several types of marriages, such as monogamy, polygamy, and group marriages. Nonetheless, marriage is a universal institution in any society and is both accepted and legally guaranteed.
What is the difference between Cohabitation and Marriage?
• Marriage is more widely accepted, both legally and culturally, while cohabitation lacks legal protection and cultural acceptance.
• Marriage is not always an individual choice, but cohabitation is exclusively an individual choice.
• Furthermore, marriage entails more responsibilities and obligations for the married couple, while cohabitation does not have such responsibilities.
• Cohabitation has also become a solution for delayed marriages.
• Lastly, marriage is a universally accepted social institution, whereas cohabitation is a practice limited to a few societies.
Key Takeaways
- Marriage is more widely accepted, both legally and culturally, while cohabitation lacks legal protection and cultural acceptance.
- Cohabitation is exclusively an individual choice, whereas marriage can be either an individual choice or influenced by parents.
- Marriage entails more responsibilities and obligations for the married couple, while cohabitation does not have such responsibilities.
If we consider the similarities between cohabitation and marriage, both involve a union between two individuals who share emotional and sexual relationships. They typically live together and support each other in their daily lives.
