Planning for Parenthood: Using Sociodemographic Characteristics to Predict Expectations for the Timing and Number of Children Among Emerging Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze parenthood expectations (expected age to have a first child and number of children hoped for) in emerging adulthood, and how these expectations can be predicted by various sociodemographic factors. We draw on theoretical work on emerging adulthood, marital paradigms, and marital horizons theories in conceptualizing parenthood expectations, including one’s parenting horizon. Using a large, national sample of emerging adults in the U.S., we used a latent profile analysis to examine expectation groups. We also found that parenting salience, religiosity, and marital salience were the most consistent predictors of parenthood expectations. In addition, we also found that race and relationship status may also be important factors to consider when it comes to the parenthood expectations that emerging adults have. Our study expands our understating of how emerging adults conceptualize the salient transition to parenthood.

Keywords

emerging adulthood parenthood parenting horizon quantitative methods expectations

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