Local violence accelerates cohabiting union transitions among disadvantaged women

In a new study published in Social Forces, Faculty Associate Mónica Caudillo and collaborator Jaein Lee investigate the link between rising local violence and transitions in women's cohabiting unions. The research draws upon a national survey collected in 2009 in the midst of the Mexican War on Drugs which led to drastically increased homicide rates.

Using event history analysis, Caudillo found that recent spikes in violence were associated with a higher risk of dissolution, as well as a higher risk of transitioning to marriage, for less educated women. On the contrary, no association was found between spikes in violence and union transitions for more educated women. These findings point to an accelerated transition to marriage or separation for disadvantaged women and shed light on how disadvantaged families cope with disruptions to their social environments.

Caudillo, M. L., & Lee, J. (2023). Community Violence and the Stability of Marriages and Cohabitations in Mexico. Social Forces. https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soac140