First childbearing and union formation in Russia

Katja Kesseli, University of Helsinki

In this presentation I will focus on a first union formation and childbearing in Russia. Earlier studies have shown that partnership status (single, consensual union and marriage) explains differences at first birth intensity between cohorts in Russia. Traditionally low age at marriage and first birth as well as nearly universal first marriage and motherhood were prominent in Russia up to 1990s. The pattern of postponement can be seen among Russian fertility at 1990s. By means of event history analysis using Russian GGS data I examine timing of first birth related to union formation; also the type of union will be studied. The main emphasis is weather this relationship is changed over cohorts or not. I will follow cohorts born from 1930 to 1986. Preliminary results show that even there are not big differences between cohorts on timing of first birth; cohorts differ on first birth timing related to first union formation.