The Spatial Diffusion of Nonmarital Cohabitation in Belgium over 25 Years: Geographic Proximity and Urban Hierarchy

BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that nonmarital cohabitation is socially diffused. However, to our knowledge, no studies exist on spatial aspects of the diffusion. This article examines the spatial diffusion process of nonmarital cohabitation in Belgium. OBJECTIVE This study aims to answer the following questions: What is the spatial diffusion pattern of nonmarital cohabitation in Belgium? In which areas did nonmarital cohabitation increase first, and which areas are resistant to this demographic change? How has this diffusion taken place geographically? METHODS We use data from the Bel... Mehr ...