Defining Childlessness Among Middle-Aged and Older Americans: A Research Note.

TitleDefining Childlessness Among Middle-Aged and Older Americans: A Research Note.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsXu, X, Liang, J, Raymo, JM, Kim, BR, Ofstedal, MBeth
JournalDemography
Volume59
Issue3
Pagination813-826
ISSN Number1533-7790
KeywordsAged, Child, Family Characteristics, Gender Identity, Marital Status, Middle Aged, Residence Characteristics
Abstract

Measuring childlessness is complicated by the increasing complexity of family structure. Using data from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study, in this research note we compared three definitions of childlessness: (1) respondent never fathered/gave birth to a child, (2) respondent had no children who were living and in contact, and (3) respondent and spouse/partner had no children or stepchildren who were living and in contact. Results showed that the prevalence of childlessness among Americans aged 55 or older ranged from 9.2% to 13.6% depending on which definition was used. The association between select individual characteristics (gender and marital status) and the likelihood of childlessness, as well as the association between childlessness and loneliness and living arrangements, also varied depending on how childlessness was defined. Therefore, how we define childlessness can affect our understanding of its prevalence, correlates, and relationships with well-being. Future research on childlessness should carefully consider the choice of definition and its implications for research and policy discussions.

DOI10.1215/00703370-9987649
Citation Key12430
PubMed ID35546479