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Partnership trajectories of people in stable non-cohabiting relationships in France

Author

Listed:
  • Arnaud Régnier-Loilier

    (Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED))

Abstract

Background: In France, nearly one in ten people are in a stable non-cohabiting partnership. Many studies have pointed out the diversity of the phenomenon. Objective: However, cross-sectional data does not distinguish between temporary, transitory, or more lasting situations. In order to contribute to a better understanding of living apart relationships, we follow changes in the partnership situation of people in stable non-coresidential intimate relationships and identify which characteristics correspond to which partnership trajectories: still living apart, moved in together, or relationship ended. Methods: The three waves of the French Generations and Gender Survey are used. After describing the state of the non-coresidential relationships after three and six years, we apply multinomial logistic regression modelling to characterize the various trajectories. Results: After three years, 22% of people in a stable non-coresidential relationship are still with the same partner, and after six years, 12%. The longitudinal data reveals two main situations among the youngest respondents: non-cohabitation as a stage leading ultimately to moving in together and as an experiment in intimate relationships that were considered to be stable but did not last. At the other end of the age range, non-cohabitation is more a form of coupledom in its own right, expected to last. Conclusions: Our results highlight the wide diversity of the meaning of 'non-coresidential partnership,' depending to a large extent on the moment in the life course at which it takes place and on the relationship history. Overall, in France, non-cohabiting relationships appear to be more often a prelude and not an alternative to marriage or cohabitation, especially during the first stages of the life course. Contribution: For the first time, longitudinal data is used to study non-coresidential relationships and the partnership trajectories of people in this situation. This paper contributes to the debate on the signification of non-coresidential relationships as captured in a demographic survey.

Suggested Citation

  • Arnaud Régnier-Loilier, 2016. "Partnership trajectories of people in stable non-cohabiting relationships in France," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 35(40), pages 1169-1212.
    • Handle: RePEc:dem:demres:v:35:y:2016:i:40
    DOI: 10.4054/DemRes.2016.35.40
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sasha Roseneil, 2006. "On Not Living with a Partner: Unpicking Coupledom and Cohabitation," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 11(3), pages 111-124, September.
    2. repec:cai:popine:popu_p1978_33n1_0042 is not listed on IDEAS
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    4. Teresa Castro Martín & Teresa Martín García & Marta Dominguez Folgueras, 2008. "Not truly partnerless: Non-residential partnerships and retreat from marriage in Spain," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 18(16), pages 443-468.
    5. repec:cai:popine:popu_p1997_52n5_1081 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Andres Vikat & Francesco Billari & Jan M. Hoem & Christoph Bühler & Zsolt Spéder & Gijs Beets & Gerda Neyer & Antonella Pinnelli & Aline Désesquelles & Tineke Fokkema & Alphonse MacDonald & Ariane Pai, 2007. "Generations and Gender Survey (GGS)," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 17(14), pages 389-440.
    7. Arnaud Régnier-Loilier & Eva Beaujouan & Catherine Villeneuve-Gokalp, 2009. "Neither single, nor in a couple. A study of living apart together in France," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 21(4), pages 75-108.
    8. Aart C. Liefbroer & Judith Seltzer & Anne-Right Poortman, 2015. "Why do intimate partners live apart? Evidence on LAT relationships across Europe," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 32(8), pages 251-286.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    living apart together (LAT); non-coresidential partnership; couples; longitudinal approach; Generations and Gender Survey (GGS); France; partnership trajectory;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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