Societal Transition, Policy Changes and Family Formation: Evidence from Hungary

Authors: Aassve, Arnstein; Billari, Francesco; Spéder, Zsolt

Source: European Journal of Population/ Revue europenne de Dmographie, Volume 22, Number 2, June 2006 , pp. 127-152(26)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

The paper uses the Hungarian Generations and Gender Survey `Turning Points in the Life-course' (HGGS) to describe recent changes in union formation, onset of childbearing, leaving home and cohabitation. By estimating survivor functions and semi-parametric hazard regression models with time-varying covariates for the timing of first union and first birth, we find a long delay among the youngest cohorts, but also remarkably strong period effects. Reduced employment, increased educational enrolment, and a higher level of uncertainty are important drivers behind these changes. Moreover, our evidence suggests that certain policy changes during the transition have exacerbated this effect, having an asymmetric impact on family formation - depending on the social status of individuals.

Keywords: Hungary; transition; family formation; family policy; event history analysis; Hongrie; transition; formation de la famille; politique familiale; analyse des biographies

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10680-005-7434-2

Affiliations: 1: Email: aaassve@essex.ac.uk

Publication date: 2006-06-01