CDFS 408 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, Childlessness
Postponers & Voluntary Childlessness
Parenthood Postponers
Increase in age not only attributed to
decline in adolescent pregnancy
increase in women over 30
but a shift in birth patterns for women in general
College educated “delayer boom”
—postponing parenthood
—having fewer children
—Fathers are postponing fatherhood as a result
—Variation in age across geographic locations
—Northeastern states highest ages
—Southern states lower average age
—Whether these trends are a reflection of education, religion, or beliefs about family formation
remains to be debated
—Postponers are:
—Emotionally and financially better prepared for parenting role
—Less worried about being a good parent
—Females are more likely to express confidence in their ability to meet the demands of
parenthood
—Both males and females are less concerned with the impact their child would have
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Document Summary
Increase in age not only attributed to decline in adolescent pregnancy increase in women over 30 but a shift in birth patterns for women in general. Whether these trends are a reflection of education, religion, or beliefs about family formation remains to be debated. Emotionally and financially better prepared for parenting role. Females are more likely to express confidence in their ability to meet the demands of parenthood. Both males and females are less concerned with the impact their child would have. Overall, older parents seem to be better prepared to take on their new role. Careerism, however, is not a universal reason : Women having babies in their late 30s and 40s. Rise in women having their first child > 35. Biological consequences biological relationships that exist between age and fertility. Use of contraceptives during periods of prime fertility. Motivations to be childless is complex and diverse.