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Teen Childbearing and Economics: A Short History of a 25-Year Research Love Affair

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  • Saul D. Hoffman

    (Department of Economics, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

Abstract

Despite its apparent distance from the core topics of economics, economists have been attracted to, and deeply engaged in, research about teen fertility for more than a quarter century. Research has focused on two broad, interrelated issues: the socio-economic consequences of a teen birth and the socio-economic causes of a teen birth. In researching these issues, economists have drawn on and extended basic concepts in economic theory and in applied statistical research. I review those literatures for a non-economist audience and conclude that the research love affair has substantially benefited both parties, although definitive answers to causes and consequences are still elusive.

Suggested Citation

  • Saul D. Hoffman, 2015. "Teen Childbearing and Economics: A Short History of a 25-Year Research Love Affair," Societies, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:5:y:2015:i:3:p:646-663:d:55973
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Frank Furstenberg, 2016. "Reconsidering Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood," Societies, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-8, November.
    2. Wolfe, Joseph D. & Thomeer, Mieke Beth & Reczek, Rin, 2023. "Age at first birth and women's midlife health: Cohort and race differences across the 20th century," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 331(C).
    3. SmithBattle, Lee & Bekaert, Sarah & Phengnum, Wisitsri & Schneider, Joanne, 2024. "Untangling risky discourse with evidence: A scoping review of outcomes for teen mothers’ offspring," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).

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