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Parenthood, Childlessness, and Well-Being: A Life Course Perspective
Debra Umberson1, Tetyana Pudrovska, Corinne Reczek
1Department of Sociology and Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A1700, Austin, TX 78712.
Journal of Marriage and the Family
|September 28, 2011
Summary
Parenthood
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Demography
Background:
- Parenthood significantly impacts adult well-being.
- Research from 1999-2009 is reviewed.
- A life course perspective is applied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research on parenthood and well-being.
- To examine influences across the adult life course.
- To analyze the role of social contexts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research from 1999-2009.
- Life course framework application.
- Analysis of demographic shifts and family structures.
Main Results:
- Parenthood's effect on well-being varies by social context (marital status, gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status).
- New family arrangements (e.g., stepparenting, grand-parenting) affect well-being.
- Childlessness also influences well-being across the life course.
Conclusions:
- The impact of parenthood on well-being is complex and context-dependent.
- Demographic changes necessitate understanding diverse family structures.
- Future research should consider evolving family forms and well-being.
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