Specific (Blocked) Post-socialist Union Transformation in Serbia

Abstract

This paper is a reflection on stalled union transformation in Serbia in the context of post-socialist transition. The empirical evidence is based on official statistics and representative sociological research on cohabitations and families since 2000. The aim is to describe some general tendencies and to suggest possible ways of interpreting field results. The paper first introduces the analytical framework, consisting of two main theories/paradigms -a (specific) second demographic transition (SDT) and deprivation (POD). Through exploring and combining different sources of evidence, we try to cast more light on specific, blocked or very slow individualization in Serbia. The main conclusion is that some changes might be identified such as: delayed union formation along with postponed childbearing for a vast majority of population, followed by a striking increase in extramarital births ever since the 1990s. The latter is particularly prominent among younger and disadvantaged women (less educated, lower social positions, from rural areas and small towns), who are, however, neither married nor cohabiting. On the other hand, transition into adulthood of young adults is protracted. Structural and institutional barriers hamper their behavioral choices as well as the pluralization of living arrangements, which is evident among their counterparts throughout developed Europe and ex-Yugoslavia, with Slovenia excluded. Instead, patriarchy and strong kinship based solidarity persist in conditions of long lasting economic turmoil, low living standards and delayed European integrations.