Cohabitation among Chinese minorities in Western countries : an alternative family formation strategy for disadvantaged groups?

Using data of Chinese immigrants extracted from the Belgian National Register registering a cohabitation or marriage between 2005 and 2015 (N = 3945), this study aims to advance the understanding of cohabitation among disadvantaged groups in local marriage markets. From the difference in prevalence of cohabitation between Chinese men and women, we conclude that Chinese immigrants could use cohabitation rather as a practical living arrangement in the context of recent migration rather than as an alternative to marriage, as the receiving society does. The practical living strategy of ethnic minorities enhances our understanding of cohabitation among disadvantaged groups, for whom the choice for cohabiting would be largely influenced by the home familial culture.