Work

Wealth and Family Formation: Insights from First Cohabitation, Marriage, and Birth in Germany

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Existing research has demonstrated that wealthier individuals differ in family formation. Potential explanations draw on wealth's use and symbolic value as well as the relative economic bar of family formation. This study examines the relationship between wealth and three family formation events in Germany: first cohabitation, marriage, and birth. Data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (2002-2017) are used with multi-state, competing-risk, discrete-time event history analysis. Results show that wealth, primarily driven by homeownership, significantly influences cohabitation, marriage, and birth. The impact of homeownership is particularly notable for marriage and birth and shows gender-specific associations for cohabitants. The findings highlight the substantial influence of wealth-most likely through its symbolic and use value-in shaping family formation while indicating limited support for a relative economic bar in Germany.

Source: European Journal of Population / Revue européenne de Démographie

DOI: 10.1007/s10680-025-09738-6

Author: Philipp M. Lersch

Institutions: German Institute for Economic Research, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Language: English

Topic: Family Dynamics and Relationships

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, No poverty

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,990