Al Mohler has an interesting summary and brief analysis about the recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau (as reported in USA Today) that there is an increase in cohabitating couples. The summary statistics:
- In 2007, there were 6.4 million cohabitating, heterosexual couples in the U.S — up from approximately 5 million in 2006.
- There were less than 1 million cohabitating couples in 1977 — an increase approaching 700%.
- Though there are 6.4 million couples who cohabitate, they still account for less than 10% of all heterosexual couples (meaning that more than 90% are married couples).
Mohler’s summary:
Once all this is put together, a portrait of a changing America comes into view. The most significant data reveals the incredible cultural shift on cohabitation since the late 1970s. The larger picture concerning marriage would have to include the impact of so-called “no-fault” divorce laws that became widespread during the same period.
Even as marriage is still the norm, increasing numbers of heterosexual couples are cohabitating before, if not instead of, marrying. The Census Bureau reports statistics, but the more urgent dimension of this development is moral. The subversion of marriage comes at great cost, even if couples do not experience what they describe as trauma or trouble. The reality of sexual intimacy outside of marriage always comes with a moral and spiritual cost, but this is rejected by a culture in denial.
For many, cohabitation is now just “part of the life course.”
Words of Grace 