Union formation, within-couple dynamics, and child well-being: A global macrolevel perspective

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Demography
• Global Health

Background:

• Global family structures are evolving, with increasing cross-national comparative research.
• Existing research often overlooks the impact of family dynamics on child well-being in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the intergenerational effects of union formation and within-couple dynamics on children's health and education in LMICs.
• To establish a research agenda on macro-level family processes and child outcomes across diverse global contexts.

Main Methods:

• Macro-level analysis using Demographic and Health Survey and World Bank data from 75 LMICs.
• Multi-axis conceptualization of child outcomes: health at birth, later-life health, and schooling.
• Examination of union formation and within-couple characteristics (e.g., age, education differentials).

Main Results:

• Societies with more egalitarian partnerships (narrower age and education gaps) show better child outcomes.
• These positive associations are strongest in mid- and high-fertility settings.
• Macro-level prevalence of marriage and divorce/separation showed inconsistent associations with child outcomes, particularly in lower-fertility LMICs.

Conclusions:

• Egalitarian couple dynamics at a societal level are linked to improved child health and educational attainment in LMICs.
• Demographic factors, such as age differentials, appear more influential than region-specific social characteristics.
• Further research is needed to understand the nuances of family processes and child well-being across different fertility transition stages.