A Sociological Analysis of the Relationship Status of Mothers Following a Nonmarital Birth

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to understand relationship transitions that unmarried parents experience after a nonmarital birth. This thesis uses data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a longitudinal survey of approximately 5,000 families from 20 cities with more than 200,000 residents across the United States. This thesis examines the extent to which factors such as health, financial resources, and relationship commitment are associated with relationship status five years after a non-marital birth among mothers. The findings show that health is not associated with relationship status, but relationship commitment and financial resources are both associated with the likelihood of marriage or cohabitation five years after experiencing a nonmarital birth.