The Complex Relationship between Values and Couple Patterns

One of the most significant changes in family structure is the formation of a couple: until a few decades ago this transition followed precise social norms (engagement, religious marriage, the birth of children), whilst today becoming a couple occurs in different ways. This paper illustrates the results of a cluster analysis of some couple patterns: currently married, separated/divorced, cohabiting, single, LAT. Findings are based on the 4th wave of the 2008 European Values Study involving 47 countries and focused on an Italian sample consisting of 1.519 individuals. The analysis highlights the complex relationship between some couple patterns and a number of factors, such as the importance and meaning of the family, work, religion, friends, marriage, motherhood and gender roles.