Older adults are more likely to see societal benefits in marriage

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November 1, 2019

Marriage and Cohabitation in the U.S.

Older adults are more likely to see societal benefits in marriage

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Older adults are more likely to see societal benefits in marriage

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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
Amid changes in marriage and cohabitation, wide acceptance of cohabitation, even as many Americans see societal benefits in marriage

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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Marriage and Cohabitation in the U.S.

Older adults are more likely to see societal benefits in marriage

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