What societal trend influences the rising acceptance of cohabitation?

The rising acceptance of cohabitation can be significantly attributed to the increase in individualism in society. Individualism emphasizes personal autonomy and the belief that individuals are responsible for their own choices and paths in life. This societal trend has led people to prioritize their personal desires and aspirations, which often includes exploring relationships in a non-traditional format, such as cohabitation without the formal legal ties of marriage.

As individualism grows, individuals may feel less pressure to conform to traditional societal norms, including the expectation to get married before living together. This shift allows couples to cohabitate based on mutual decision-making and convenience rather than cultural or societal mandates, reflecting a more modern approach to relationships.

In contrast, a decrease in economic independence would likely discourage cohabitation, as individuals who are economically dependent may feel more compelled to seek the security of marriage. The rise of traditional marriages instead would indicate a decline in cohabitation acceptance. Thus, the context provided by the trends in individualism directly supports the increasing trend toward cohabitation.