Ivy Williams SYO 3100 Fall 2011 Assessment #4

1. Co habitation increases the chances of marriage False. Many young professionals between the ages of 25-44 believe that cohabitation will lead to marriage, and a better on at that, studies reveal the exact opposite. Only forty-four per cent of cohabitations end in marriage (Benokraitis, 2010). This occurs because of various reasons; there is less gender equity in relationships that cohabitate which leads to the double shift, physical and emotional abuse. Also, there is less commitment to the relationship as each party has the ability to leave whenever they choose, and have less at stake. 2. Singles are healthier than married people False. This is only true for single women. Married men are healthier than single men; however, married women are less healthy than single women as they have increased domestic responsibilities, i.e. children, work, and a marital relationship to sustain. Married women are less likely to take care of themselves health physically and emotionally (Benokraitis, 2010). 3. According to experts, marriage in the United States will fade away in the future. Marriage will not fade away in the future, as it has always been present and in fact its importance has increased within the last century. Marriage is a symbol of prestige and social status within the United States, and as same-sex marriage could soon be universally legalized, the amount of people entering into a formal union is likely to increase (Cherlin, 2004)

4. Remarriage is an indicator of the re-institutionalization of marriage

5. Power in a relationship is directly related to ones interest and commitment to the relationship True. The power in a relationship does not always concern money or tangible things, but can include emotional and psychological advantages one partner has over the other, and talents and abilities. Information is also a source of power as if one partner is not knowledgeable in one area they must depend on information given to them by the other partner (Benokraitis, 2010).