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Young Adults’ Roles as Partners and Parents in the Context of Family Complexity

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  • Lawrence M. Berger
  • Sharon H. Bzostek

Abstract

Using data from the 1979 and 1997 cohorts of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, we estimate the proportions of young men and women who will take on a variety of partner and parent roles by age 30, and describe how these estimates have changed between cohorts. We then draw on identity theory and related theoretical work to consider how the multiple family roles that young adults are likely to occupy—both over their life course and at a single point in time—may influence interfamily and intrafamily relationships. Our discussion highlights key implications of identity theory as it relates to family complexity and proposes several hypotheses for future empirical research, such as the greater likelihood of role conflict in families with greater complexity and limited resources. Our analysis suggests that families may be less likely to function—economically and socially—as cohesive units than has been the case in the past and than most existing policies assume.

Suggested Citation

  • Lawrence M. Berger & Sharon H. Bzostek, 2014. "Young Adults’ Roles as Partners and Parents in the Context of Family Complexity," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 654(1), pages 87-109, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:654:y:2014:i:1:p:87-109
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716214527729
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marcia Carlson & Sara McLanahan & Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, 2008. "Coparenting and nonresident fathers’ involvement with young children after a nonmarital birth," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 45(2), pages 461-488, May.
    2. Berger, Lawrence M. & Cancian, Maria & Meyer, Daniel R., 2012. "Maternal re-partnering and new-partner fertility: Associations with nonresident father investments in children," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(2), pages 426-436.
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    Cited by:

    1. Andrew J. Cherlin & Judith A. Seltzer, 2014. "Family Complexity, the Family Safety Net, and Public Policy," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 654(1), pages 231-239, July.

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