Research

I combine quantitative analysis with sociological theory to shed light on economic and cultural determinants of the rise in cohabitation and separation since the 1960s in France. I investigate how the erosion of social norms against cohabitation and separation, along with adverse shifts in the labour market, have influenced cohabitation and separation trends.

During my research master’s in sociology, I worked on issues of prisons and crime. I studied the family relationships of inmates and the social stratification of singlehood within the criminal hierarchy among prisoners.

Publications and Work in Progress

• Work in Progress:

• “The Two Dimensions of the Retreat from Marriage: Effects of Catholic Religiosity and Manufacturing Decline on Births Outside Marriage and Divorce in France (1975-2018)”
• “Breaking Tradition: Generational Change in Cohabitation and Separation Among Muslim-Origin Individuals in France.”
• “The Defensive Function of Traditions: How Catholic Religiosity Moderated the Impact of Manufacturing Job Losses on Divorce and Single Motherhood in France (1975 – 1990).”

• Published Work:

• El Atifi, S., & Le Mer, H. (2021). “Visiting an Incarcerated Relative: The Central Role of Women in Maintaining Family Bonds During Incarceration,” published in Cahiers d’études pénitentiaires et criminologiques.

Conference Presentations

I have shared my research findings at conferences and seminars, such as:

• INED, Seminar series of the research group on International Migration and Minorities, November 2024.
• ECSR, September 2024.
• PAA, April 2024.
• LSE, Demography Seminar, April 2024.
• ECPR, General conference on Organised Crime, July 2022.

Research Experience

My hands-on research experience before the Ph.D. includes:

• Assisting on a project about the labour market integration of children of immigrants at CRIS, Sciences Po Paris.
• Contributing to research on work satisfaction at CEET, CNAM.