Attitudes to marriage and cohabitation
· 59% of the British population
agree that "even though it might not work out for some people,
marriage is still the best kind of relationship.
· 69% agree that "too many people just drift into marriage
without really thinking about it."
· 9% agree that "there is
no point getting married - it's only a piece of paper".
· When asked whether they thought
it was a good idea for couples who intend to get married to live together
first, 56% thought that it was "a good idea".
· 67% thought it acceptable for
a couple to cohabit, even if they don't intend to marry.
· 54% agreed that "people
who want children ought to get married".
· 97% believe that a cohabiting
father should have the right to consent to his child's medical treatment.
· 93% believe that a cohabitant
should have the right to the family home after the death of their partner.
· 56% of people incorrectly believe
that unmarried couples living together 'definitely' or 'probably' have
the same rights as married people.
Reference
Barlow, A., Duncan,
S., James, G. and Park, A. (2001) Just a piece of paper? Marriage and
cohabitation. In British Social Attitudes: Public policy, social
ties. The 18th Report: 2001-2002 Edition. (London: Sage.)
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