The Evolution of the Couple in France over the Past 30 Years

Abstract

In recent decades, France has witnessed an evolution in the matrimonial situation of the French population. In the 1970s and 1980s, perceptions and prescriptions regarding partnering and marriage varied, such as being considered an ‘old lady’ if you were still single after age 25; an expectation that marriage was for life ‘for better or for worse’; and that once widowed, remarriage was highly encouraged for both genders. Being divorced was somewhat rare and perceived negatively. Yet, the current scenario is quite different. The couple as a unit within French society has changed as society itself has changed. Marriage is still the most common form of relationship, especially with the arrival of children; but before marriage or married life, many couples live apart, whether because they live far from each other or because they wish to try out the relationship before committing to it further. Pertinent legislation around consensual union and the PACS (pacte civil de solidarité) type of couple formation, parenting leave and responsibilities, and same-sex marriage, among others, has impacted on how individuals enter into a relationship and what are their expectations. Today, married life is no longer restricted to heterosexual couples and the number of significant romantic or couple relationships experienced by the age of 25 has increased regularly in recent years. What is significant is the value accorded to couple relationships of fulfilling a felt need for companionship. Although there is a shift to a greater acknowledgement of the partner’s education or career needs and more shared household related tasks, traditional social norms around gender roles and expectations from marriage or unions still persist. The various individual values, aspirations and tasks within the couple are linked with the evolution of the problems presented during couple therapy over the past 30 years.