Since its inception in 1945, the Republic of Indonesia has experienced a series
of profound social changes. The spread of schooling, the transformation of the
economy, and the consolidation of a unified state have transformed the lives of
Indonesian citizens. It is seldom recognized, however, that the most fundamental
changes have occurred in the family sphere. Marriages that used to be arranged by parents are now more likely to be determined by couples. Unions occur when the couples are much older. The adoption of birth control practices has reduced fertility from large families to a...

Various forms of partnering such as officially registered marriages, cohabiting relationships, and other kinds of relatively stable relationships - are crucial in the formation of families throughout the world. Although, today, forms of partnering in the region are not restricted to formal marriage, the norm remains for couples to marry to establish a new family, and to accept the cultural requirement to have children.

This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of partnerships and marriage in the Southeast Asian region using quantitative data alongside qualitative...