Why or Who Waits for Marriage? The Sociological Rationale for Chastity

This article evaluates the sociological aspects of saving sex for marriage. Promiscuity is linked to high rates of sexually transmitted infections, abortion, and high rates of divorce, which has multiple negative consequences on children. Single motherhood and cohabitation are also associated with negative consequences for children including lower emotional well-being, emotional problems, poorer physical health, and poorer academic achievement. Cohabitation, which is becoming increasingly common either before marriage or without marriage, is associated with a higher frequency of intimate partner violence (including severe violence, sexual violence, and emotional violence) and substance abuse. In contrast, saving sex for marriage is associated with lower divorce rates and consequently higher emotional, behavioral, social, health, and academic outcomes of children from "intact" households. Compared with cohabitation, marriage is associated with higher relationship satisfaction, relationship dedication, relationship confidence, sexual satisfaction, and friendship, and with lower negative communication. These observations support Church teaching on sexual behavior.