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Racial Differences in Marital Outcomes among Unmarried Mothers: The Influence of Perceived Marital Benefits and Expectations

Author

Listed:
  • Calvina Ellerbe

    (University of North Carolina Pembroke)

Abstract

Family formation in American society increasingly begins with a birth. Given the important benefits that married, biological parents have for children it is important to examine marriage formation among unmarried parents. The present study investigates the influence that perceived marital benefits and marital expectations have on marriage formation among unmarried mothers with an examination of racial/ethnic differences. Large racial differences in perceived marital benefits and marital expectations were present. Black mothers perceived that marriage would be more beneficial than white mothers, but they did not expect that they would develop a marital relationship with their baby's father as often as white mothers. Perceptions and expectations were strong predictors of marriage among black, white and Hispanic mothers and were useful for explaining racial differences in marital outcomes. Positive expectations to marry increased the odds of marriage while positive perceptions of benefits decreased the likelihood of marriage.

Suggested Citation

  • Calvina Ellerbe, 2018. "Racial Differences in Marital Outcomes among Unmarried Mothers: The Influence of Perceived Marital Benefits and Expectations," Working Papers wp18-03-ff, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    • Handle: RePEc:pri:crcwel:wp18-03-ff
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    File URL: https://fragilefamilies.princeton.edu/sites/fragilefamilies/files/wp18-03-ff.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Patrick Royston, 2004. "Multiple imputation of missing values," Stata Journal, StataCorp LLC, vol. 4(3), pages 227-241, September.
    2. Linda Waite, 1995. "Does marriage matter?," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 32(4), pages 483-507, November.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • 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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