Here
are some links related to the academic paper that I am going to write. Please
feel free to browse these websites. I have rated these websites for their
content (accuracy and authority), scope (breadth and depth), purpose and
audience, currency, workability, and links made to other resources. If you have
any comments, please leave me a note in my guestbook!
Marriage, Cohabitation and
the Law: Individualism and Obligation
An academic from University of Nottingham looks at policy making
for married and cohabiting couples
My comments: Good background on changing trends in marriage.
Discusses absence of principles regarding maintenance of spouses. E-mail
available for feedback and links to Research Papers website.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
High Divorce Rates: The
State of the Evidence on Reasons and Remedies
Research seeking an explanation for high divorce rates in the UK,
and what can be done to alleviate the situation.
My comments: Reasons for breakdown of marriages may give me insight
on cohabitation. Remedies and advice in the article are applicable to all forms
of relationships. E-mail available for feedback and links to Research Papers
website.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Cohabitation
in the United States: An Appraisal of Research Themes, Findings, and
Implications
Seeks to explain phenomenon of increasing cohabitation in the US
and implications of such phenomenon to gender equality and social science
research.
My comments: Abstract, full text and PDF version of paper
available. Links to other academic journal websites.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Marriage
and trust: some lessons from economics
Examines the role of marriage in giving couples the confidence to
make long-term investment in their relationships.
My comments: Focus on legal aspects of marriage and divorce, but
also some hints for me on advantages of marriage over cohabitation. PDF version
available. Links to Cambridge Journal of Economics website.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Marriage,
divorce, and legal change: new evidence from England and Wales
Impact of no-fault divorce law on divorce rates in the UK.
My comments: Background information on evolution of divorce in the
UK and US. PDF version only available through signing up for journal or
pay-per-article means. Links to Economic Inquiry journal. Contact information
of writers available.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The
changing meaning of cohabitation and marriage
Looks at social meaning of cohabitation and marriage, and
determinants of these changes in the Netherlands.
My comments: Social Aspect of cohabitation and marriage directly
related to my paper. Only abstract available on website. Links to European
Sociological Review website.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
For Better or
For Worse: A look at marriage,
cohabitation and family breakdown
Conference Paper highlighting the merits of marriage over
cohabitation
My comments: The writer looks at marriage from many angles, such as
effects on children, the individual’s health and well-being, and the effect on
a larger scale, such as crime rate, the workplace, and the economy. Links to
CARE – the Christian Action Research and Education homepage.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Should we live together? – What
young people need to know about Cohabitation before marriage
Research article by the Rutgers National Marriage Project on
marriage patterns among young people
My comments: Results from research suggests living together is not
a good way to prepare for marriage. A section on whether unmarried cohabitation
should be institutionalized and advice for young people. Links to Smart
Marriages homepage.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Cohabitation
in Norway: an accepted and gradually more regulated way of living
Article looking at legal rights of cohabiting couples
My comments: Background on changing marriage and cohabiting
situation in Norway, and how the Norway family policy has changed to meet
situation. PDF version available. Links to International Journal of Law, Policy
and the Family.
Rating:5 out of 5
BBC News Talking
Point: Is Marriage still relevant?
Online forum about cohabiting and childbirth trends in the UK
My comments: Many arguments for and against cohabitation by
viewers. Links to related articles in BBC News.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Marriage and Cohabitation:
Not the Same Thing
Magazine article giving reasons why marriage should be favored over
cohabitation
My comments: Clear headings for each argument: longevity, abuse,
children, etc. Link to Bristol Community Family Trust homepage.
Rating: 4 out of 5
What’s
Marriage Got to Do With It?
Magazine article looking at the benefits of marriage over staying
single. Second section of article discusses cohabitation.
My comments: First section of article not directly related to my
paper about marriage vs. cohabitation, but the reasons give insight into why
people should get married. Links to articles related to topic and Citizen Link
homepage.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Relationships Made Easy By
Marital And Cohabitation Agreements
Website by a Colorado Law Firm giving advice on marital and
cohabitation agreements.
My comments: Although the agreements may not be relevant to Hong
Kong, this website gives me an idea on the legal arrangements available for
cohabiting partners. Links to Law Firm homepage.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Pros and Cons of Marriage
vs Cohabitation
Sherringtons Solicitors website on legal pros and cons, and
pitfalls to be aware of.
My comments: Details regarding children, property and statutory
provisions. Links to indepth guidance and advice, and to Law Firm homepage.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
All about cohabiting before marriage
E-group seeking to help couples who need information on cohabiting
My comments: Real facts about cohabiting and offer solutions and
advice to a successful marriage. Citations of research studies done by
universities. Online survey and results of previous year’s survey findings.
Testimonials and personal stories available.
Rating: 4 out of 5
A writer’s comments on Rutgers University study that
cohabitation may actually increase the likelihood of eventual divorce.
My comments: No information on
background of writer. Article is posted on Dads against Divorce Industry (DADI)
webpage, hence a bias may exist. Links to the DADI homepage.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Living together –
Is cohabitation a good choice?
Article from marriage.about.com telling readers what to consider
before cohabiting.
My comments: Hyperlinks available throughout article to the studies
or articles cited. Many links to other websites about cohabitation.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Facts & Stats:
Benefits of Marriage
Citations on benefits of marriage
My comments: Quotes are clearly cited (APA style) and links to
statistics and facts on other subjects.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
What’s wrong with the work of
the National Marriage Project?
Criticisms on the methodology of the Rutgers National Marriage
Project.
My comments: Points of criticisms objective and easy to read. Links
to study and Alternative to Marriage project homepage.
Rating: 4 out of 5
An article by an undergraduate on cohabitation in Sweden and in
general
My comments: Writer gives her opinion on cohabitation but no
citation or evidence is given. Links to other articles written by writer’s
friends.
Rating: 4 out of 5