The Changing Socioeconomic Gradient of First Union Formation Across Generations in Spain

This paper addresses the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and first union formation in Spain by analyzing influence of educational attainment employment history on transition to non-marital cohabitation direct marriage, highlighting inter-generational gender-specific trends over time. To this end, contribution approaches a longitudinal gender perspective which applies an event-history-analysis competing-risk setting data last available Fertility Survey (FS) conducted Spanish National Institute Statistics 2018. Results show that, among women, positive gradient reversed, while negative for marriage intensified across generations. Regarding economic remained stable generations entries is still central entering cohabitation, even if less relevant women youngest birth cohorts. For men, having achieved tertiary education lose its strength time with each successive generation, effect both has diminished