Premarital cohabitation is a social practice whereby an unmarried couple lives together in an intimate relationship outside marriage. It has become increasingly common in modern society, especially among young adults. Religious discourses have had mixed views on this practice, some condemning it as immoral while others viewing it positively. This study explores the prevalence of religious beliefs in Canada that frame premarital cohabitation as a moral, spiritual, or sexual issue and how they influence partners' perceptions of legitimacy, commitment, and erotic trust.
The research was conducted in four major cities across Canada - Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Edmonton. Participants were recruited through online advertisements and snowball sampling methods, with a total sample size of 200 participants. The data collected included surveys on religious beliefs, attitudes towards premarital cohabitation, and interviews. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that religiosity was significantly associated with negative attitudes towards premarital cohabitation.
Religious beliefs did not affect erotic trust between partners.
Religious discourse frames premarital cohabitation as a moral issue by emphasizing the importance of abstaining from sex before marriage. It also presents cohabiting couples as lacking commitment to each other and God's plan for relationships. These framings influence partners' perceptions of legitimacy, making them feel guilty about their actions and fearful of societal judgments. They may see themselves as 'bad people' who are not following God's will. These attitudes can lead to feelings of shame and guilt, which undermine the couple's relationship. In contrast, non-religious individuals tend to view premarital cohabitation positively, seeing it as an opportunity to explore intimacy without committing to marriage. This positive framing encourages more open communication, mutual respect, and trust between partners.
This study shows how religious discourses frame premarital cohabitation in Canada as a moral, spiritual, or sexual issue. It highlights how these framings impact couples' perceptions of legitimacy, commitment, and erotic trust, shaping their relationships. Understanding these dynamics is crucial in promoting healthy relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
How does religious discourse in Canada frame premarital cohabitation as a moral, spiritual, or sexual issue, and how do these framings influence partners' perceptions of legitimacy, commitment, and erotic trust?
Religious discourse in Canada frames premarital cohabitation as an immoral and ungodly act that violates traditional values and norms. This framing may lead individuals who engage in such behavior to feel guilty and shameful, which can impact their level of commitment and trust within their relationship. Some religious groups believe that living together before marriage is a sin that must be repented for, while others view it as a necessary step towards marriage.