Nonresident Fathers’ Involvement after a Nonmarital Birth: Exploring Differences by Race/Ethnicity

Calvina Ellerbe, Jerrett Jones and Marcia Carlson
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Calvina Ellerbe: University of North Carolina-Pembroke
Jerrett Jones: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Marcia Carlson: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Working Papers from Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing.

Abstract: Despite the higher prevalence of nonmarital childbearing among racial/ethnic minorities, there is limited evidence about differences in unmarried father involvement across race/ethnic groups. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N=2,534), we evaluate racial/ethnic variation in father involvement after a nonmarital birth for nonresident fathers. Since nonresident father involvement typically requires coordinating with the mother, we evaluated involvement measures related to the father-child relationship (time and engagement) as well as measures related to the mother-father relationship vis-à -vis their common child (sharing responsibilities and coparenting). Black fathers were significantly more likely to spend time and engage in activities with their children as compared to Hispanic fathers—but not White fathers. With regard to the mother-father parenting interaction, Black fathers exhibited significantly higher levels of shared responsibility and positive coparenting with mothers than either White or Hispanic fathers. The low level of involvement among Hispanic fathers is notable, and future research should address possible reasons for this outcome.

Keywords: Father involvement; nonresident fathers; unmarried parents; race/ethnicity; Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014-08
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pri:crcwel:14-07-ff

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