Department of Criminology, Law, and Society, University of Florida, during her work on the project.
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The Gender Gap in Attitudes About Childlessness in the United States
Article first published online: 1 OCT 2007
DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2007.00420.x
Additional Information
How to Cite
Koropeckyj-Cox, T. and Pendell, G. (2007), The Gender Gap in Attitudes About Childlessness in the United States. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69: 899–915. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2007.00420.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 1 OCT 2007
- Article first published online: 1 OCT 2007
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- attitudes;
- childlessness;
- fertility;
- gender;
- transition to parenthood
Acceptance of childlessness has increased since the 1970s, with women reporting greater acceptance than men. Using the National Survey of Families and Households (1987 – 1988; N = 10,648) and the General Social Survey (1994; N =1,395), we examined this gender gap as it relates to both structural and sociocultural factors, including religion, gender attitudes, and other attitudes about gender and family. Women were more likely than men to hold positive attitudes about childlessness, and women’s less traditional attitudes about marriage, gender equality, and women’s employment only partially explained this difference. In the childbearing ages, positive attitudes were strongly related to intentions to remain childless and showed a greater gender gap at higher education levels. The findings highlight important differences in men’s and women’s experiences of family, work, and gender issues.