Volume 22 - Article 16 | Pages 473-504

Timing of first union among second-generation Turks in Europe: The role of parents, peers and institutional context

By Doreen Huschek, Helga A.G. de Valk, Aart C. Liefbroer


Date received:	01 Sep 2009
Date published:	19 Mar 2010
Word count:	7650
Keywords:	Europe, integration, parents, peer's influence, second generation, union formation, welfare state policies
DOI:	10.4054/DemRes.2010.22.16

Abstract

This study examines the influence of parents and peers on first union timing among the Turkish second generation in Europe using pooled data from the TIES survey. Cross-national differences in union formation are assessed by comparing countries with different integration policies and welfare regimes. Analyses show that both parents and peers are relevant predictors of entry into union: More modern parental characteristics and contact with non-coethnic peers result in postponement of union entry. Furthermore, parental and peer influences are found to be rather similar in all seven countries despite a variety of integration policies. Actual timing differences between countries may be caused by welfare state provisions directed at young adults.

Author's Affiliation

Doreen Huschek - Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute, Netherlands [Email]
Helga A.G. de Valk - Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium [Email]
Aart C. Liefbroer - Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute, Netherlands [Email]