[The evolution of first marriages in Canada].

Area of Science:

• Demography
• Sociology
• Canadian Social History

Context:

• Examines the influence of significant socio-political events over the past 60 years.
• Focuses on the period encompassing the 1930s crisis and World War II.
• Analyzes behavioral changes in Canadians regarding first marriage.

Purpose:

• To determine the extent to which major socio-political events have affected Canadians' propensity for first marriage.
• To differentiate between the timing and ultimate frequency of first marriages.
• To assess generational impacts of historical events on marriage patterns.

Summary:

• Period and cohort analyses reveal that while major historical events did not significantly change the ultimate frequency of first marriages by age 50.
• These events markedly influenced the timing of when Canadians entered into first marriages.
• This timing shift consequently affected period measures of marriage behavior.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the resilience of marriage frequency against major societal disruptions.
• Highlights the sensitivity of marriage timing to historical and socio-political contexts.
• Informs demographic and sociological understanding of marriage trends in Canada.