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The educational gradient in marital disruption: A meta-analysis of European research findings

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  • Anna Matysiak
  • Marta Styrc
  • Daniele Vignoli

Abstract

A large number of empirical studies have investigated the effects of women's education on union dissolution in Europe, but results have varied substantially. This paper seeks to assess the relationship between educational attainment and the incidence of marital disruption by systematizing the existing empirical evidence. A quantitative literature review (a meta-analysis) was conducted to investigate the temporal change in the relationship, net of inter-study differences. The results point to a weakening of the positive educational gradient in marital disruption over time and even to a reversal in the direction of this gradient in some countries. The findings also show that the change in the educational gradient can be linked to an increase in access to divorce. Finally, the results suggest that women's empowerment has played an important role in changing the educational gradient, while the liberalization of divorce laws has not.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Matysiak & Marta Styrc & Daniele Vignoli, 2014. "The educational gradient in marital disruption: A meta-analysis of European research findings," Population Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 68(2), pages 197-215, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rpstxx:v:68:y:2014:i:2:p:197-215
    DOI: 10.1080/00324728.2013.856459
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Aiva Jasilioniene, 2007. "Premarital conception and divorce risk in Russia in light of the GGS data," MPIDR Working Papers WP-2007-025, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany.
    3. Neyer, Gerda, 2003. "Family Policies and Low Fertility in Western Europe," Discussion Paper 161, Center for Intergenerational Studies, Institute of Economic Research, Hitotsubashi University.
    4. Gerda R. Neyer, 2003. "Family policies and low fertility in Western Europe," MPIDR Working Papers WP-2003-021, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany.
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