Repartnering in the United Kingdom and Australia

Abstract

Repartnering has become increasingly important in recent years as a result of relatively high divorce rates and increases in the percentage of cohabiting relationships that break-up rather than convert to marriage (de Vaus 2004; ONS 2004). This paper seeks to address the issue of repartnering in comparative perspective. Using a longitudinal approach we conduct parallel analyses to compare the United Kingdom and Australia, two countries with similar legislative frameworks coupled with similar patterns of cohabitation, marriage and divorce.