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.
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