Borders and the Spatial Diffusion of Family Changes: An Analysis of Non-marital Births in the French-Belgian Border Region (1968–2017)

Abstract

In recent decades, many European countries have experienced significant family changes, including an increase in the proportion of non-marital births. To understand these family changes in European and Western societies, numerous theories have emerged, accompanied by a wealth of empirical literature. However, the spatial dimension of family change is less studied than other aspects. Moreover, borders can play a role in the diffusion process by acting as barriers. Very few studies have examined the relationship between borders and the spatial diffusion of family changes. This article fills this gap by investigating the role of borders in the spatial diffusion of non-marital births between Belgium and France. The border region between these countries is a key area for analysing these relationships. Using local vital statistics data, the study compares the barrier intensity of different borders (national and linguistic) by measuring the absolute difference in non-marital birth rates. The results indicate a spatial diffusion in both countries, with borders acting as barriers. The intensity of this barrier role varies over time, peaking in the mid-1990s. The national border is a stronger barrier than the language border, with the strongest barrier being the French-Belgian border in Flanders. By showing how borders influence the pace and the extent of spatial diffusion of non-marital births, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the spatial dynamics of demographic behaviour in Western Europe.