The relationship between life course events and union formation

This analysis examines how union formation is embedded within the life course, looking at the relationship between events (education, employment, fertility, prior union transitions, and residential factors) and union formation. A fourth of cohabitations and a third of marriages occur the same month as another event, increasing to 40% and 45%, respectively, when including events occurring in the two months before and after a union forms. Life course events in every domain are related to both cohabitation and marriage, with residential changes proving particularly important. The experience of other events near union formation might provide clues to why the union formed and have implications for future outcome and stability.