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Abstract
Given the increasing number of couples that use cohabitation as a pathway or alternative to marriage, few studies to date have examined the factors that facilitate relationship entry and commitment. Recent study findings reveal children born to Black mothers as compared with White mothers have a 72% higher risk of experiencing their parents’ separation by year 3 and Black married parents have 5.33 times the risk of separating within 3 years after their child's birth relative to White married parents. However, few studies to date have examined the factors that increase the likelihood that cohabiting Black couples will enter and remain in a committed relationship. To fill the current void that exists in the literature and through the use of phenomenology as the foundation, I asked 30 low-income cohabiting Black couples the following question: “What do you think motivated your partner to commit to you?” Qualitative analysis of the responses revealed the following six themes: (1) no response/unsure, (2) physical appearance, (3) emotional and tangible support, (4) honesty and friendship, (5) love and commitment, and (6) personality and treatment. Implications for practitioners, policy, and research are also provided.
Notes
Throughout this text, I use the term “Black” to refer to people of African Diaspora and to such populations that reside within the United States. To some, African Americans are a subgroup within a larger Black community. Because this discussion purposely includes those who may be first-generation immigrants or who, for whatever reason, do not identify as African American, I use the term “Black.” Furthermore, I capitalize the term “Black” to distinguish this racial category and related identity from the color. Similarly, I capitalize the word “White” when referring to race.