Unmarried But Not Absent: Fathers' Involvement with Children After A Nonmarital Birth
By Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, Marcia Carlson, Sara McLanahan, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing, Princeton University , Eds.
March
2005
Summary: This study explored the level and predictors of fathers’ involvement with children approximately three years after a nonmarital birth using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. The frequency of fathers’ spending time with their children, engagement in various father–child activities, and responsibility for household and child-related tasks are examined. Findings show that 75 percent of unwed fathers have seen their three-year-old children at least once in the previous month. Parents’ relationship status is a key predictor of subsequent involvement (and change in involvement); fathers in cohabiting unions are much more likely to be involved in their children’s lives than other unmarried fathers. The quality of the parents’ relationship is also linked to father involvement for some outcomes, with domestic violence being strongly associated with lower involvement. A history of incarceration and having children by other partners also deters fathers’ involvement. Both fathers’ individual attributes and their relationships with the mothers have important consequences for subsequent involvement with children. Contains 72 references.
Index Terms: At Risk Families, Early Childhood Education, Family Support, Fathers Involvement, Marriage, Child Advocacy, Partnerships, Social Policies
Publisher: Center for Research on Child Wellbeing, Princeton University
Publication Type: Reports (Research/technical)
Pages: 40 pages
Language: English
Availability
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Princeton University
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