Cohabitation among UG students: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

The concept of cohabitation has been a subject of much debate and conflicting views. To gain a better understanding of this modern-day phenomenon, it is essential to examine the subjective experiences of individuals who are cohabiting. This research aimed to explore the richness of these experiences using an interpretive phenomenological analysis approach, as part of a qualitative research design on the Indian youth. Semi structured interviews were conducted with six young couples pursuing their undergraduate degrees who had been cohabiting for more than four months. Several themes emerged from the study, including the reasons for cohabiting before marriage and the motivators behind it, the impact on relationships with partners, peers, and family, and sharing of household responsibilities. It was found that, of the six participants, five held positive and optimistic views about their experience of cohabitation, while one participant highlighted the negative aspects of cohabitation. The research outcomes present valuable insights into the subjective encounters of individuals engaged in cohabitation, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of this contemporary social phenomenon.