Examining Cross-Border Influences on Family Dynamics: An Analysis of Non-Marital Birth Rates in the France-Belgium-Luxembourg Border Region (1968-2017)

Amira Hamieh, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
Yoann Doignon, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
Adrita Banerjee, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
Oumar Mbath, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)

Over recent decades, European countries have seen significant family changes, including non-marital births, once rare. In order to understand these family changes in Europe and Western societies, including non-marital births, numerous theories have emerged and with them a rich empirical literature. However, the spatial dimension of family changes is less studied compared to other aspects. Few have explored the link between borders and the spatial diffusion of family changes. This paper addresses this gap by examining the role of borders in the spatial diffusion of non-marital births. The study focuses on the France-Belgium-Luxembourg border region from 1968 to 2017, an area characterized by multiple types of borders—national, linguistic, and combined—within a relatively small geographical space. Using civil registry data at the municipal level, the analysis reveals dynamic, cross-border changes in non-marital birth rates. France border, have acted as significant barriers to the diffusion of non-marital births. The barrier effect varies over time, peaking in the mid-1990s. However, over time, these spatial discontinuities have evolved, reflecting broader cultural shifts and policy changes. This study highlights the complex interplay between geography, culture, and demographics in shaping family behaviours, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of non-marital fertility in Western Europe.

Keywords: Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, Spatial Demography, Families, Unions and Households, Neighbourhood/contextual effect analysis

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