Ruch małżeński w Niemieckiej Republice Federalnej i Berlinie Zachodnim

Abstract

The author of the article is interested in the problem of empirical and theoretical frequency of contracting marriage in the German Federal Republic and Western Berlin. She comes to the following conclusions: 1) In the chronologic development increasing probability of contracting marriage is noted, which is caused by decreasing mortality, particularly in the younger age groups, and more favourable conditions for contracting marriage. 2) The share of second marriages in the total number of contracted marriages increases quickly because: average duration of life grows longer; number of decided divorces rises considerably; more persons are ready to contract marriage with a divorced or widowed partner. There is more probability of contracting marriage for widowed or divorced men than for bachelors. The same holds in the case of divorced women. 3) The fact worth noting is that the average age at contracting marriage in a country ruled by certain market mechanisms is much more advanced than in socialistic countries.