Brienna Perelli-Harris (Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany) Wendy Sigle-Rushton Trude Lappegård Paola Di Giulio (Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany) Aiva Jasilioniene (Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany) Keizer Renske Katja Köppen (Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany) Caroline Berghammer (Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany) Michaela Kreyenfeld (Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany)
Abstract
This study analyzes the dramatic increase in nonmarital childbearing in Europe, an increase which occurred primarily within cohabitation. Using data from 10 countries, we present descriptive trends in nonmarital childbearing from 1970 to the early 2000s. In addition, we analyze union context at conception, birth, and one year after birth. This allows for the classification of different patterns of family formation into five broad categories. We also investigate how the relationship between fertility and union status changed over time and developed along different trajectories. Our research shows that despite widespread claims that marriage is disappearing in Europe, it still remains the preferred institution for raising children.
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Publisher Info
Paper provided by Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany in its series MPIDR Working Papers with number
WP-2009-021.
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