354 - Thematic Session. Cohabitation

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Abstract

Cohabitation has been increasing at a rapid pace across the life span. Key recent trends in the U.S. include the following: the majority of young adults have cohabited; two two-thirds of marriages today are preceded by cohabitation; growth in serial cohabitation; the increase in nonmarital childbearing is driven by births to cohabiting parents; and a doubling of cohabitation among adults over age 50. The panelists will help unravel these recent changes in cohabitation patterns and reflect on the future of cohabitation in the U.S. and Europe. Panelists will discuss the meaning of cohabitation and ties to marriage as well as the precursors to cohabitation. Cohabitation among young as well as older adults will be showcased. Cohabitation patterns in Europe will be presented providing important insights into varying family systems. Crosscutting the presentations will be a consideration of social class and race/ethnic variation in cohabitation.

Sub Unit

• Thematic Sessions

Session Organizer

• Wendy Diane Manning, Bowling Green State University

Presider

• Wendy Diane Manning, Bowling Green State University

Individual Presentations

• The Shifting Meaning of Cohabitation - Pamela J. Smock, University of Michigan

• Social Class and Entry into Cohabitation - Sharon L. Sassler, Cornell University

• Cohabitation in the Second Half of Life - Susan L. Brown, Bowling Green State University

• Cohabitation in Europe - Teresa Castro-Martin, Spanish National Research Council