Lats By Choice in Europe. Determinant Factors of Their Evolution

Couples Living Apart Together (LATs) have developed in the last years in Europe as a consequence of an increase in family individualization, job mobility, feminine autonomy, difficulties accessing the housing market, etc. This phenomenon has been interpreted in southern countries as a consequence of the delays in family emancipation and, in northern and centre countries, as a sign of an increase in autonomy and independence. There are as many types of LATs as reasons that justify the fact of not living together. In this paper LATs by choice are studied. In other words, LATs that aren’t forced by the circumstances; but they still decide to live this situation by choice. We use information coming gathered through the Gender and Generation Survey related to Bulgaria, France, Germany, Romania and Russia. We analyze a sample of 3.842 interviewees in LATs. Results indicate that LATs by choice, prevail especially in Germany and France. They are over-represented in medium ages, with high educational levels, and especially, dependent on the negotiation between both partner. High levels of contact increase the probability of being LATs by choice.