Why do cohabiting couples marry? An example of a causal event history approach to interdependent systems

Author(s): Klijzing, E., Pohl, K., Rohwer, G.

Journal/Book: Qual Quant. 1999; 33: Spuiboulevard 50, PO Box 17, 3300 AA Dordrecht, Netherlands. Kluwer Academic Publ. 229-242.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a causal approach to interdependent systems based on two empirical investigations. These examples demonstrate (1) the study of two highly interdependent processes: entry into first marriage as the dependent process and the process of first birth/first pregnancy as the explaining one; (2) an interdependence occurring mainly in a very specific phase of individuals' lives (i.e. During the period of first family formation); (3) the involvement of time lags between cause and its effect (e.g. Time until detection of conception); and (4) the highly dynamic character of an unfolding effect over time (i.e. The effect of first pregnancy/first birth on first marriage strongly depends on the progress of pregnancy and the time since the birth has taken place).

Note: Article Blossfeld HP, Univ Bielefeld, Fak Soziol, D-4800 Bielefeld, GERMANY

Keyword(s): interdependent processes; simultaneity problems; causal analysis; event history analysis; longitudinal data; fertility; nuptiality; RATIONAL CHOICE

Zurück | Weiter