Demographics of Same-Sex Couples in Spain

Abstract

This article contributes to the study of same-sex couples in Spain. With the current increased recognition of rights, there are major research gaps in the area of same-sex demographic behavior (nuptiality and fertility). By using (and validating) data from the 2011 Spanish Population Census, we have been able to offer a general profile of sociodemographic characteristics of same-sex married and cohabiting couples. The results suggest the clearly heterogamic composition of those couples, a smaller presence of children in their households and the prevalence of the dual earner couple model. It has also been found that same-sex couples are less likely than opposite-sex couples to get married.