Moving in with a partner: Expected consequences of union formation across Europe

Using data from eight European countries, we investigate expected consequences of union formation among non-partnered individuals aged 22-35 (N = 8,443). Data come from the Gender and Generations Surveys. For Sweden we use data from the Young Adult Panel Study. Overall, respondents expected only minor economic and non-economic consequences of moving in with a partner within the next three years. Swedes held the strongest expectations of an improved financial situation, whereas respondents from Belgium, France, Hungary and Russia had strongest expectations of improved career opportunities. Further, Romanians and Swedes anticipated decreasing personal freedom, whereas Hungarians expected increased life satisfaction. Women expected greater improvements in their financial situation and career opportunities than men. Men, on the other hand, to a greater extent than women expected reduced personal freedom when moving in with a partner. The more optimistic view of women on their financial situation after union formation was weaker in all countries relative to Sweden. Further, women expected better career opportunities than men in Austria, Belgium, Hungary and Romania compared with Sweden. Men’s stronger expectation of decreasing personal freedom by forming a union was significantly weaker in Austria, France and Hungary than in Sweden