What is the implication of high divorce rates on marriage perceptions?

What is the implication of high divorce rates on marriage perceptions?

• A. Marriage is increasingly viewed as a timeless institution.
• B. Cohabitation is discouraged.
• C. Divorce rates have no impact on perceptions of marriage.
• D. Marriage is increasingly viewed as a less permanent institution, leading to more cohabitation.

Answer: (D)

High divorce rates shift people’s view of marriage toward permanence as a flexible, long-term goal rather than an unbreakable, timeless bond. When divorce becomes more common and less stigmatized, the perceived risk of separation rises, so marriage is seen as a commitment that can be more conditional or provisional. This makes the idea of cohabitation—even as a step before or instead of marriage—more acceptable and practical, since it delays or avoids long-term legal commitments. In short, marriage is viewed as less permanent, and that view goes hand in hand with more cohabitation. The other options don’t fit because they either suggest marriage remains timeless, discourage cohabitation, or claim no impact at all.

High divorce rates shift people’s view of marriage toward permanence as a flexible, long-term goal rather than an unbreakable, timeless bond. When divorce becomes more common and less stigmatized, the perceived risk of separation rises, so marriage is seen as a commitment that can be more conditional or provisional. This makes the idea of cohabitation—even as a step before or instead of marriage—more acceptable and practical, since it delays or avoids long-term legal commitments. In short, marriage is viewed as less permanent, and that view goes hand in hand with more cohabitation. The other options don’t fit because they either suggest marriage remains timeless, discourage cohabitation, or claim no impact at all.