The Society's Views and Expectations of Marriage and Unmarried Cohabitation

Introduction

The fundamental unit of any society is a family and families are created through various ways, for instance, through marriage, come-we-stay, and cohabitation among others. Marriage refers to the formal or legal recognition of the union of two people as partners either of the same or opposite sex. Marriage is associated with benefits such as companionship, marriage benefits, sharing of burdens and responsibilities among others. Cohabitation, on the other hand, refers to the state of two persons either of the same or opposite sex living together and having a sexual relationship without being married. The society is complex, and various practices and cultures have emerged to aid in facing the life challenges. The society is governed by morals and laws, which regulate the conduct of the people within the community to promote harmonious and peaceful co-existence. Arguments for Two Unmarried Seniors Living Together It is human nature to seek companionship be it either from a loved one or from a friend. Companionship enables several persons to be able to take care of each other and satisfy their needs whatever they may be. Companionship promotes the values of love and respect and does not require marriage to formalize such a union. Furthermore, companionship promotes security, peace, togetherness and understanding. Two persons who are seniors and unmarried but living together derives several benefits from the relationship without having to formalize the relationship, such as not losing one’s personal security pension and the avoiding the technicalities associated with marriage. The main advantage associated with cohabitation of persons who are seniors entails avoiding financial burdens related to marriages, avoiding the act of risking social benefits related to the individuals and family drama among others. Marriage is an expensive legal process of formalizing the union of two persons (Strong, Bryan, & Theodore, 2013). Cohabitation helps to prevent such challenges, as one can enjoy the companionship of their partners without any undue pressures. Cohabitation entails living together without legal recognition whereas marriage is a legal union, which requires a divorce or annulment to end the companionship. Arguments against Two Unmarried Seniors Living Together Morals govern the society. Morals equip persons with the ability to be able to differentiate between what is right or wrong. Two unmarried seniors living together set a bad example for the young generation, who look up to the seniors for guidance. The young generation needs to be grounded in family values (Strong, Bryan, & Theodore, 2013) and about the benefits of marriage and not cohabitation. Cohabitation is associated with instability as the relationship ordinarily is short-term compared to marriage relationships, and it is non-recognized by the state hence not able to enjoy the marital tax deduction, inheritance benefits, and health insurance benefits among other things. The society comprises of several religion groups, that is, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism among others. The diverse religions teach about family values and the importance of marriage. Several verses in the Bible talk about the importance of marriage and the responsibilities of husbands and wives to each other. Do not commit adultery is the third commandment that promotes the values of respecting the sanctity of marriage. Conclusion Both marriage and cohabitation promote companionship. Companionship aids in the sharing of burdens and responsibilities among the persons in the relationship and enjoying the benefits associated with the relationship. It is human nature to be social, and morals are there to guide us in making better decisions concerning one's life.