Where are All the Men?

Keywords

family formation, adult man, fertility studies

Abstract

Past fertility studies have focused almost exclusively on surveys of women and adolescents; thus, little is known about the role of adult men in family formation. Because men are underrepresented in national surveys, the literature on young adult men, especially disadvantaged, nonmarital fathers, is particularly lacking. On the basis of a review of past research, this study illustrates men's importance in forming sexual unions and making contraceptive decisions and considers related issues of family formation. In addition, the importance of these processes to fathering children as well as to later paternal involvement is highlighted. Drawing from a life course and structural perspective, a conceptual model is proposed, and a potential research agenda is outlined to address the dearth of research about young adult men's family formation behaviors and early participation in parenting.

Original Publication Citation

Forste, Renata. 2002. “Where are All the Men? A Conceptual Analysis of the Role of Men in Family Formation.” Journal of Family Issues, 23(5):579-600

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2002-07-01

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5628

Publisher

Journal of Family Issues

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS