The move to cohabitation without documents of union was led by men for the reason you just stated.
I am not convinced that this is true. I also think that there are some additional reasons for this. With the elimination of any legal distinction in the status of children as either “legitimate” or “illegitimate,” and the rise of no-fault divorce, what really is the point besides religious beliefs and certain legal rights afforded those with married status, such as inheritance, tax benefits and medical decisions? A true commitment can be backed up by paper or not, and paper does not prove commitment in any event.
