Cohabitation, marriage and relationships with 'parents-in-law'

In: Families, relationships and societies: an international journal of research and debate, Band 5, Heft 1, S. 3-22

Abstract

Previous research suggests that, compared with married couples, cohabiters have weaker ties with parents. However, we know little about cohabiters' relationships with their partners' parents – their 'parents-in-law'. This study explores intergenerational solidarity with parents-in-law, but goes beyond a comparison of cohabitation versus marriage, distinguishing cohabiters by intentions to marry. Using the National Survey of Families and Households in the United States (N = 3,125), we observe significant differences between marrieds and cohabiters with plans to marry. The exchange of practical and emotional support with parents-in-law is lowest for cohabiters who have intentions to marry, rather than cohabiters who have no intentions to marry. Findings suggest that cohabiters with plans to marry have different normative obligations to parents-in-law, but that cohabiters with no plans to marry are more similar to married couples. Implications for practitioners include the importance of distinguishing types of cohabiters and understanding how normative obligations to parents-in-law may differ.