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Multiracial infants and low birth weight: Evidence from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study

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Listed:
  • Kate H. Choi

    (University of Western Ontario)

  • Sara S. McLanahan

    (Princeton University)

Abstract

Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, we examine how the birth outcomes of multiracial infants differ from those of their mono-racial counterparts and the extent to which disparities in birth outcomes are due to variation in socioeconomic background, prenatal health behaviors, and availability of social support. We find that (1) the birth outcomes of multiracial infants typically fall somewhere in between those of their mono-racial counterparts, (2) outcomes vary by mother?s race/ethnicity for some multiracial combinations, and (3) socioeconomic disparities account for a significant portion of the difference in rates of low birthweight between multi- and mono-racial infants born to White parents, while masking differences between infants born to Hispanic parents. Finally, differences in prenatal health behaviors and social support from baby?s father also play an important role in accounting for disparities in birth outcomes between multiracial infants and their mono-racial counterparts.

Suggested Citation

  • Kate H. Choi & Sara S. McLanahan, 2013. "Multiracial infants and low birth weight: Evidence from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study," Working Papers 1477, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    • Handle: RePEc:pri:crcwel:wp13-11-ff.pdf
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    File URL: https://fragilefamilies.princeton.edu/sites/fragilefamilies/files/wp13-11-ff.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    multiracial; children; births; infants; low birth weight;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • I00 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General - - - General
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination

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