Defining Cohabitation in the Ghanaian Context: Some Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

Abstract

The literature on cohabitation intimates a clear line between marriage and cohabitation where the latter lacks a formal or legal backing. This understanding overlooks contextual issues which complicate definitions of cohabitation. With evidence from historical and contemporary literature on cohabitation among the Asante of Ghana, this chapter argues that traditional social practices coupled with the plurality of legal frameworks governing marriage in Ghana, leads to subjective constructions and interpretations of cohabiting unions. Consequently, there are situations where one form of partnership would qualify as marriage, whilst the same would be considered a cohabiting union in other circumstances. Again, the sense in which cohabitation functions as a prelude, an alternative or equivalent to marriage among the Asante differs significantly from what pertains in other societies. The chapter, therefore, calls into question the oversimplified meanings of cohabitation often based on the assumption of a dualistic relationship between marriage and cohabitation. The chapter concludes that the definition of cohabitation among the Asante and some sections of the Ghanaian public is fluid and not as clearly defined as it is in other parts of the world, especially the Global North. Given this reality, rather than generalized interpretations of cohabitation, researchers need to consider the contextual differences and understandings of cohabitation in their studies.

Citation

Obeng-Hinneh, R. (2023), "Defining Cohabitation in the Ghanaian Context: Some Historical and Contemporary Perspectives", Blair, S.L. and Zhang, Y. (Ed.) Cohabitation and the Evolving Nature of Intimate and Family Relationships (Contemporary Perspectives in Family Research, Vol. 24), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 269-284. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1530-35352023010