Volume 21 - Article 4 | Pages 75–108  

Neither single, nor in a couple. A study of living apart together in France

By Arnaud Régnier-Loilier, Eva Beaujouan, Catherine Villeneuve-Gokalp

Abstract

Among living arrangements, living apart together relationships arouse curiosity on the part of sociologists, demographers and even the media. From a scientific point of view, how have noncohabiting relationships evolved in recent decades? How can we recognise these relationships, and who are the populations concerned? The present study provides an overall view into noncohabiting relationships in France, shedding light on the characteristics of both the individuals concerned and their relationships. There has been no recent increase in the prevalence of this living arrangement. It competes with cohabiting relationships both among students and among people with cohabiting children. Four main groups of living apart relationships are described: "Young adults", "Out of a family", "Seniors." The reasons for living apart as well as future intentions vary considerably across these groups.

Author's Affiliation

• Arnaud Régnier-Loilier - Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED), France EMAIL
• Eva Beaujouan - Universität Wien, Austria EMAIL
• Catherine Villeneuve-Gokalp - Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED), France EMAIL

Other articles by the same author/authors in Demographic Research

Delayed first births and completed fertility across the 1940–1969 birth cohorts
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Simulating family life courses: An application for Italy, Great Britain, Norway, and Sweden
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Cohort fertility decline in low fertility countries: Decomposition using parity progression ratios
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Partnership trajectories of people in stable non-cohabiting relationships in France
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Educational differences in timing and quantum of childbearing in Britain: A study of cohorts born 1940−1969
Volume 33 - Article 26

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