Title

Coparenting in Fragile Families

Author(s)

Marcia J. Carlson Marcia Carlson (University of Wisconsin)

Robin S. Högnäs Robin Högnäs (University of Wisconsin)

Abstract

Nonmarital childbearing has increased dramatically in the U.S. since the early 1960s, rising from 6% of all births in 1960 to fully 40% in 2007 (Hamilton, Martin, & Ventura, 2009). Whereas similar trends have occurred in many developed nations, the U.S. stands out in the extent to which such births are associated with socioeconomic disadvantage and relationship instability. This has given rise to a new term ?fragile families,? which we define as unmarried couples who have a child together. The increase in fragile families reflects changes not only in the initial context of births but also in the fundamental nature and patterns of childrearing.

Creation Date

2010-03

Section URL ID

CRCW

Paper Number

WP09-13-FF.pdf

URL

https://www.fatherhood.gov/sites/default/files/resource_files/e000002038.pdf

File Function

Jel

D190, D630, J120, J150, I300

Keyword(s)

Fragile families, childbearing, nonmarital childbearing

Suppress

false

Series

8