Couples who do not live together: a social phenomenon?
On the other side of the Channel, we talk about the "Living apart together".
A special union that sociologists and demographers have been watching closely for a few years. Three researchers from the National Institute of Demographic Studies (INED) review this phenomenon in the book "Portrait de famille".
A special union that sociologists and demographers have been watching closely for a few years. Three researchers from the National Institute of Demographic Studies (INED) review this phenomenon in the book "Portrait de famille".
This study carried out in 2005 with INSEE, the national institute of statistics and studies
economic studies, covers 10,000 people. It tells us that some 3.8 million people, 8% of 18 to 79 years, live in pairs but ... separately!
Profile of these couples, neither alone nor together
At age 40 and beyond, nearly one-third choose this lifestyle. Following a divorce or separation after a long life together, these couples flourish more in a relationship each at home.
But it is young people, 28% of 18-25 year olds, who favor this situation. A way to make a smooth transition between family and couple life. The commitment is this way lived smoothly.
In the long term, seven out of ten couples plan to move together within three years.
According to INED, "the desire for a child, then its birth, is and will remain a triggering event" of life in common.
If the couple life is not systematic, it is nonetheless an adventure lived as a stage in the future plans of a couple.
