A not so perfect match: the growing male/female divide 1986-1996

This study examines partnering and ever-married levels for women and men over the decade from 1986 to 1996 in Australia. It then explores the factors shaping the significant declines in these rates that the research revealed. The report proceeds to an analysis of linkages between declining parenting and marriage rates and the parallel rise in the numbers of ex-nuptial births, sole-parent families and males isolated from family setting, and some of the attendant economic and social consequences of these trends. The data employed for the research included previously unpublished 1986 and 1996 census tabulations, department of social security family payment and maintenance records and child support agency payer income information.