Childhood family structure and young adult behaviors

Wei-Jun J. Yeung (), Greg Duncan () and Martha S. Hill ()
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Wei-Jun J. Yeung: Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, P.O. Box 1248 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248, USA
Martha S. Hill: Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, P.O. Box 1248 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248, USA

Journal of Population Economics, 2001, vol. 14, issue 2, 299 pages

Abstract: This paper examines a wide variety of forms, and full histories, of family structure to test existing theories of family influences and identify needs for new theories. The focus is on links between childhood family structure and both completed schooling and risk of a nonmarital birth. Using a 27-year span of panel (PSID) data for U.S. children, we find that: (a) change is stressful, (b) timing during childhood is relevant, (c) adults other than parents are important, and (d) two more recently studied family structures (mother-with-grandparent(s) and mother-with-stepfather) do not fit the molds of existing theories. The findings suggest that new theories should consider allocation of resources and reasons people group into family structures.

Keywords: Demographic; economics; ·; marital; dissolution; ·; family; structure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J12 J13 J16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2001-07-12
Note: Received: 11 September 1998/Accepted: 27 March 2000
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (43)

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