Evoluția tendințelor în comportamentul marital al populației Republicii Moldova

Abstract

The paper analyzes the evolutionary trends in the marital behavior of the population of the Republic of Moldova, using data provided by population censuses from recent decades. The research highlights major transformations in family structures and in the models of forming marital unions, determined both by socio-economic changes and by cultural and demographic shifts. The results indicate a decline in the share of married individuals and an increase in the share of divorced persons. This situation reflects an upward trend, emphasizing marital instability and directly affecting household structures and children’s well-being. Disparities between urban and rural areas remain significant, with visible differences in the pace and magnitude of change. At the same time, an increase in the share of consensual unions and a diversification of family patterns are observed, reflecting tendencies toward the individualization and flexibilization of couple relationships. Thus, uniformity in the life cycle no longer exists; each person shapes their life trajectory depending on personal ideals and the socioeconomic obstacles they face. The analysis underscores that the evolution of marital behavior in the Republic of Moldova aligns with general trends observed in the European context, while also exhibiting specific features shaped by the country’s social, economic, and migratory contexts. The study provides an important empirical foundation for formulating demographic and family policies that support family stability and adapt to new socio-demographic realities.