Tag: cohabitation

Viewing Relationship Education through the Lens of Social Poverty

By Alan J. Hawkins

The Bottom-line First. I have waited anxiously for Sarah Halpern-Meekin’s new book, Social Poverty, since I first heard her describe the study and writing project three years ago. I wasn’t disappointed. Her analysis of low-income parents’ lives and their experiences trying to strengthen their relationships for the sake of their children provides a clearer lens with which to view relationship education and federal policies to help low-income couples strengthen their relationships. Continue reading “Viewing Relationship Education through the Lens of Social Poverty”

Counteracting Negative Effects of Cohabitation for Couples and Children Through RE

By Hailey Palmer and Alan J. Hawkins

The bottom line first: A recent study found that children born to less educated mothers were more likely to be exposed to cohabitation, which led to more family transitions throughout childhood and adverse effects. Researchers also recently found that couples who cohabited before marriage had significantly lower rates of breakup in the first year after marrying but higher divorce rates after that compared to married couples who never cohabited. Relationship educators may be able to play a role in reducing the potential negative effects of premarital cohabitation. Continue reading “Counteracting Negative Effects of Cohabitation for Couples and Children Through RE”