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The relationship context of nonmarital childbearing in the U.S

Author

Listed:
  • Jennifer Manlove

    (Child Trends)

  • Kerry Franzetta

    (Chapin Hall Center for Children)

  • Suzanne Ryan

    (National Institutes of Health (NIH))

  • Elizabeth Wildsmith

    (University of Pennsylvania)

Abstract

Using Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort data, we update estimates of cohabiting nonmarital births, examine factors associated with relationship context at birth, and assess racial/ethnic differences. We find that 52% of nonmarital births occur within cohabitations – an increase of 33% since the early 1990s. Blacks have shown the greatest increase in cohabiting births over time. We also find that the fertility histories of men and women have opposite influences on nonmarital childbearing. Furthermore, for Whites, a partner of a different race/ethnicity is associated with a higher risk of a nonmarital birth; for Blacks and Hispanics, the opposite is true.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer Manlove & Kerry Franzetta & Suzanne Ryan & Elizabeth Wildsmith, 2010. "The relationship context of nonmarital childbearing in the U.S," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 23(22), pages 615-654.
    • Handle: RePEc:dem:demres:v:23:y:2010:i:22
    DOI: 10.4054/DemRes.2010.23.22
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ron J. Lesthaeghe & Lisa Neidert, 2006. "The Second Demographic Transition in the United States: Exception or Textbook Example?," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 32(4), pages 669-698, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Cryer-Coupet, Qiana R. & Dorsey, Marquitta S. & Lemmons, Brianna P. & Hope, Elan C., 2020. "Examining multiple dimensions of father involvement as predictors of risk-taking intentions among black adolescent females," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    2. Mariana Amorim & Laura M. Tach, 2019. "Multiple-Partner Fertility and Cohort Change in the Prevalence of Half-Siblings," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 56(6), pages 2033-2061, December.
    3. Lundberg, Shelly & Pollak, Robert, 2013. "Cohabitation and the Uneven Retreat from Marriage in the U.S., 1950-2010," IZA Discussion Papers 7607, IZA Network @ LISER.
    4. Megan Sweeney & Teresa Castro Martín & Melinda Mills, 2015. "The reproductive context of cohabitation in comparative perspective," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 32(5), pages 147-182.
    5. Laura Tach, 2015. "Social Mobility in an Era of Family Instability and Complexity," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 657(1), pages 83-96, January.
    6. Sharon Sassler & Soma Roy & Elizabeth Stasny, 2014. "Men’s economic status and marital transitions of fragile families," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 30(3), pages 71-110.
    7. Smyth, Emer & Darmody, Merike & Russell, Helen, 2025. "Including non-resident fathers in cohort research: a scoping study," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number RS211.
    8. Jennifer Manlove & Elizabeth Wildsmith & Erum Ikramullah & Suzanne Ryan & Emily Holcombe & Mindy Scott & Kristen Peterson, 2012. "Union Transitions Following the Birth of a Child to Cohabiting Parents," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 31(3), pages 361-386, June.
    9. repec:pri:crcwel:wp12-12-ff is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Ryan Heath Bogle, 2012. "Long-Term Cohabitation among Unwed Parents: Determinants and Consequences for Children," Working Papers 1404, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..

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    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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