The Timing of Family Formation : Rural-Urban Differentials in First Intercourse, Pregnancy, and Marriage / Tim B. Heaton and Others.

The timing of three key family formation events--first sexual intercourse, first conception, and first marriage--was compared for different levels of urbanization. The levels of urbanization considered were central cities, suburbs, nonmetropolitan urban places, and rural area. Data were taken from the National Survey of Family Growth, for which interviews were conducted in 1982 with 7,969 women 15-44 years of age. Results suggested a continuation of urban-rural differences in family structure. Residents of rural areas and urban places outside of metropolitan areas begin sexual activity, conceive, and marry at younger ages than those who live in central cities or suburbs. Earlier initiation of sex and parenthood are largely a result of younger marriage. Premarital sex and conception are no more common in less densely settled areas than in metropolitan centers. Early marriage commits women to family life at a younger age and increases the share of sexual activity and conception occurring within marriage. Results of the study suggest that the improvement of rural women's status may be inhibited by early family formation, and policies aimed at improving opportunities for rural women should take the prevalence of early marriage into account. (JHZ)

Researchers. ericd

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