Change in union status after first birth in Chile

Abstract

This paper studies changes in the union status of Chilean women at different stages of their fertility (their first child’s conception, birth and fourth birthday), as well as the variables associated with the transition from cohabitation to marriage or dissolution. Data come from the New Chilean Families Survey. Survival techniques are used to estimate the probability of change in union status, and multinomial models are used to study the transitions out of cohabitation. The results show many changes occur before the first birth, because a number of cohabiting unions start during pregnancy. After birth, the changes are less frequent. Women who were originally dating are more likely to change their status. Age, education, being Catholic and having another child are associated with a lower risk of marriage or dissolution. The report of substance abuse from the baby’s father is associated with a higher risk of dissolution of the cohabitating union.