Who has Greatest Expectations? Expected Consequences of Union Formation across Europe

Using data on non-partnered individuals aged 22-35 from eight European countries (N = 8,443), we investigate expected consequences of moving in with a partner within the next three years. Results confirmed that Swedes had the highest probability of expecting improvements in their financial situation, whereas respondents from Belgium, France, and Russia had the lowest probability of anticipating decreasing career opportunities. Further, Romanians and Swedes were most likely to expect less personal freedom, whereas Hungarian and French respondents were most likely to expect increasing life satisfaction. Across all countries, women were significantly more likely than men to expect an improved financial situation. This gender gap was biggest in Bulgaria, Romania and Russia and smallest in Sweden, France and Belgium. Also, Bulgarian men were more likely to anticipate a loss in employment opportunities and personal freedom than women. In Austria, men were more likely to expect increasing life satisfaction than women.