Civil status dynamics and household positions in Flanders (Belgium)

Martine J.C. Corijn, Center for Population and Family Studies, Brussels
Edith Lodewijckx, Center for Population and Family Studies, Brussels

In Belgium, the popularity of unmarried cohabitation started quite late compared with other West-European countries. Besides, Belgium is getting one of the highest total divorce rates in Europe. Yearly in about one third of all marriages at least one ever-married partner is involved. By linking the civil status history and the current living arrangement of all inhabitants in Flanders in 2004, we will explore the dynamics after divorce and after widowhood. In which kind of household types do persons of a particular age range that divorced / got widowed in a particular year live in 2004? We will illustrate the role of unmarried cohabitation and the position of second marriages. Special attention will be given to the presence of living-in children in the households. Civil status history of persons living in particular household types in 2004 will be analysed. Special attention will be given to the divorce-experience among the older generations.