Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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Marriage and Cohabitation in the U.S.
Higher levels of trust and satisfaction among married than cohabiting adults
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- Marriage and Cohabitation in the U.S.
- Small shares see being married as essential for a man or a woman to live a fulfilling life
- About two-thirds favor allowing unmarried couples to have the same legal rights as married couples
- About six-in-ten say cohabiting couples can raise children just as well as married couples
- Most adults younger than 30 say couples who live together first are more likely to have a successful marriage
- Many cohabiters cite finances as a reason why they are not engaged or married to their partner
- Non-engaged cohabiters with no college experience less likely to see cohabitation as a step toward marriage
- Love and companionship are among top reasons for marriage and cohabitation
- Higher levels of trust and satisfaction among married than cohabiting adults
- Older adults are more likely to see societal benefits in marriage
- Amid changes in marriage and cohabitation, wide acceptance of cohabitation, even as many Americans see societal benefits in marriage