Sociology Faculty Publications
Relationship Formation and Stability in Emerging Adulthood: Do Sex Ratios Matter?
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Research links sex ratios with the likelihood of marriage and divorce. However, whether sex ratios similarly influence precursors to marriage-transitions in and out of dating or cohabiting relationships-is unknown. Utilizing data from the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study (TARS) and the 2000 census, this study assesses whether sex ratios influence the formation and stability of emerging adults' romantic relationships. Findings show that relationship formation is unaffected by partner availability, yet the presence of partners increases women's odds of cohabiting, decreases men's odds of cohabiting, and increases number of dating partners and cheating among men. It appears that sex ratios influence not only transitions in and out of marriage, but also the process through which individuals search for and evaluate partners prior to marriage.
Copyright Statement
Publisher PDF
Publisher's Statement
Availability via databases maintained by the United States National Library of Medicine.
Repository Citation
Warner, Tara D.; Manning, Wendy D.; Giordano, Peggy C.; and Longmore, Monica A., "Relationship Formation and Stability in Emerging Adulthood: Do Sex Ratios Matter?" (2011). Sociology Faculty Publications. 40.
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/soc_pub/40
Publication Date
2011
Publication Title
Social Forces
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/90.1.269