Andrew Cherlin

Definition

Andrew Cherlin is a prominent sociologist known for his research on family dynamics, marriage, and divorce in American society. His work often highlights the changing nature of marriage, the rise of cohabitation, and the implications of divorce on families and children. He critically examines how social policies and cultural shifts influence family structures and relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Cherlin's influential book 'The Marriage-Go-Round' discusses how American marriage patterns differ from those in other countries, emphasizing the cycle of marriage and divorce.
2. He argues that cohabitation is often seen as a step towards marriage in the U.S., reflecting shifting attitudes towards commitment and partnership.
3. Cherlin has conducted extensive research on how economic factors contribute to the decisions surrounding marriage and divorce, particularly among lower-income families.
4. His studies indicate that children from divorced families may face unique challenges but also highlight the resilience many children demonstrate in adapting to family changes.
5. Cherlin emphasizes the importance of social policies that support families through transitions, suggesting that better access to resources can mitigate some negative impacts of divorce.

Review Questions

• How does Andrew Cherlin's research illustrate the relationship between cohabitation and marriage trends in America?
  • Cherlin's research shows that cohabitation is increasingly viewed as a normative step before marriage in American society. He highlights that this trend reflects broader changes in societal attitudes toward commitment, where couples often choose to live together as a way to test compatibility before making a legal commitment. This shift influences the overall landscape of marriage and divorce, as it changes how couples approach their relationships.
• In what ways does Cherlin link economic factors to marital stability and divorce rates?
  • Cherlin links economic factors to marital stability by illustrating that financial stress can significantly impact family dynamics and decision-making regarding marriage and divorce. His research indicates that individuals from lower-income backgrounds may face greater challenges that contribute to higher divorce rates, such as job insecurity and lack of access to resources. This connection emphasizes the importance of considering economic contexts when analyzing trends in marriage and family structures.
• Evaluate the implications of Cherlin's findings on social policy related to family support and child welfare.
  • Cherlin's findings suggest that social policy must adapt to support families through transitions such as divorce. He advocates for increased access to resources like counseling, financial assistance, and education programs aimed at helping families navigate these changes. By emphasizing resilience among children from divorced families, he argues that effective policies can help mitigate negative outcomes for children, ultimately fostering healthier family structures within society.

Related terms

Cohabitation: The practice of living together and having a sexual relationship without being legally married, which has become increasingly common in modern society.

Divorce Rate: The measure of the frequency of divorce in a given population, often expressed as the number of divorces per 1,000 people in a year.

Family Structure: The composition and characteristics of a family unit, including the relationships between its members and how they interact within societal norms.