Entry into parenthood and the outcome of cohabiting partnerships in Britain

Data from a national cohort study of men and women bent in Britain in 1958 ape used to examine factors influencing the outcome of cohabiting first par tnerships. Conception is found to be a key factor promoting marriage for bo th men and women. Observed gender differences in the estimated impact of ch ildren on partnership stability; are likely dui to the incomplete reporting of past fertility among men. Social class and educational differentials in the likelihood of female cohabiters experiencing a conception, and their l ikelihood of subsequent marriage, suggest that the role of cohabitation var ies according to socioeconomic background.