Why are more people cohabiting?

Answer 1

because life is better with two incomes if both people don't make a lot of money.

Answer 2

Because they can... many of the answers the other contributors are true and valid... and we could add that marriage was in medieval and later times, something that must be undertaken in a church and by law, living together out of wedlock... was 'living in sin'. It was very expensive and many 'peasants' could not afford the cost of a church marriage. When it became less expensive, many 'ordinary' people married in church and there were incentives to do so... a man became the owner of his wife.. she was a chattel.. and therefore had a value. Wives were beaten regularly , with state and church encouraging such things... bad mouthed wives could be accused of being a witch and ducked or even burnt at the stake. Divorce was almost impossible until the 19th Century. Slowly but surely the 'advantages' of having a 'chattel' were removed, (including tax benefits etc)... Religion as waned and getting married in a church or other religious place less important. Civil ceremonies are still popular, but easier to arrange and less expensive than some church weddings. People still need the reassurances of living with another person, after all we pack animals... most of us need that feeling of being part (or leader/second in charge) of a pack... It is also economically more viable than living on ones own,

Answer 3

While I know many people live together to save money and also to experience what married life would be like with a person before making the commitment, I think - with all religious beliefs aside - that it takes the fun out of getting married! After living together, what is the point?

Answer 4

Its a sad commentary on our lack of commitment.

Why commit when you can get what you want without it.

Of course, I'm really not one to criticize having engaged in cohabitation myself.

Answer 5

i think because a lot of people have seen it all go wrong for parents etc.
if you see a couple together 10 years they get married then it goes to pot.
i am happy i been married 20 years

Answer 6

Because it's expensive to live alone, it's easier to have a house mate to share the living costs.
Hope this helps.

Answer 7

Probably because commitment is out of fashion.
It is time we grew up as a society and took on responsibilities

Answer 8

Because there's no incentive to marry. No social stigma, no tax breaks so why bother? It's becoming the norm

Answer 9

Cheaper.

Answer 10

They just don't want to get married. Or, it is cheaper to share expenses....