Differences in attitudes concerning childbearing and family formation among poor and non-poor women and men

Background. Much concern has been expressed regarding fertility among poor/economically disadvantaged women. Some presume that all individuals make fertility-related decisions within an economic context; thus, childbearing among poor women is described as deviant. We examine how fertility and other family-formation attitudes among men and women may differ by economic characteristics to determine if an economic-based framework is applicable across population subgroups.

Methods: We analyzed the 2002 (Cycle 6) National Survey of Family Growth, a nationally representative, household survey of the US civilian, non-institutionalized population, including women (n=7643) and men (n=4928), 15-44 years. We examined attitudes among the poor and non-poor (economic status; ES) pertaining to marriage, pregnancies, single parenting, gender roles in parenting, and being childless.

Results: Overall, men and women of similar ES had similar attitudes; attitudinal differences were greater between men and women of different ES (p<.05 or better). Specifically, the poor were more likely to report conservative views regarding single motherhood and preference for male income earners; yet, they felt that men should prioritize careers over family. The poor were also more likely to view an unplanned pregnancy favorably. Analysis of dis/concordance between reported attitudes and behaviors is currently underway.

Discussion: This analysis begins to broaden our understanding of differences in fertility and family formation attitudes among people of varying ES. It has implications for poverty-related policies intended to influence fertility among the poor, including financial penalties for childbearing while receiving welfare. Our findings will inform subsequent research on factors related to sexual and reproductive behaviors and may suggest that income-based policies be revisited.