When social scientists say that marriage has become "deinstitutionalized," they mean that people:

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Social scientists use the term "deinstitutionalization" to describe the weakening of the social norms, expectations, and formal rules that traditionally structured an institution. In the case of marriage, deinstitutionalization means that people no longer see it as the only acceptable path to adulthood or the primary basis for building a family. Instead, individuals have more diverse options for intimate relationships, such as cohabitation or singlehood, and they may redefine marriage on their own terms.

When Social Scientists Say That Marriage Has Become "Deinstitutionalized," They