Abstract:
The study aimed to investigate the experiences and perceptions of women in
cohabitation towards the legalization of divorce in the Philippines. A qualitative research
design and grounded theory analysis method were employed. The findings of the study
revealed three key concepts or categories that influenced the participants' perspectives on
divorce: family history, religion, and outside sources. Furthermore, a significant
difference in perception of marriage was found between married women and single
women in cohabitation. However, the participants' views on marriage did not appear to
significantly affect their perspectives on divorce. Furthermore, the majority of the
participants were in favor of the legalization of divorce, emphasizing the need for divorce
particularly in cases of abusive relationships. These findings provide a deeper
understanding of the experiences and perceptions of women in cohabitation towards the
legalization of divorce in the Philippines and contribute to the knowledge on the subject
matter.
