Disentangling the Quebec fertility paradox: The recent evolution of fertility within marriage and consensual union in Quebec and Ontario

Authors

  • Benoît Laplante Institut national de la recherche scientifique
  • Ana Laura Fostik Institut national de la recherche scientifique

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25336/P62311

Keywords:

Fertility, Marriage, Cohabitation, Quebec (province), Total Fertility Rate

Abstract

This article analyzes the relation between conjugal status and fertility in Quebec. We use data from three censuses to estimate a series of fertility measures within marriage and within cohabitation. We use a comparative approach and look at the relationship between conjugal status and fertility within groups defined by language, place of birth, and place of residence. Results show that childbearing within cohabitation is typical of French-speaking Quebeckers, and that in this group, fertility is now mainly concentrated among cohabiting couples. Given that fertility is now currently slightly higher in Quebec than in Ontario, cohabitation cannot be deemed the cause of low fertility.

Author Biographies

Benoît Laplante, Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Associate professor, Centre Urbanisation Culture Société.

Ana Laura Fostik, Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Doctoral student, demography, Centre Urbanisation Culture Société.

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Published

2015-04-01