Childlessness in Canada 1971: a further analysis
Tomes, N.
Canadian Journal of Sociology 10(1): 37-57
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0318-6431 PMID: 12340385 DOI: 10.2307/3339933Document Number: 416233
This paper reexamines the correlates of childlessness in Canada, using a maximum likelihood probit estimation technique. Contrary to the conclusions of Grindstaff, Balakrishnan, and Ebanks, the author finds that selected ascribed attributes (religion and nativity) and achieved characteristics (labor force status, schooling, and/or family income) are significant correlates of childlessness, both for younger and older cohorts of women. Locational differences are also evident, particularly among older women (45 and over). Marriage duration is an important determinant of childlessness, especially among women who have been married relatively few years. Previous research is extended by analyzing the interaction between the labor force status and childlessness, taking into account self-selection in labor force participation. The determinants of childlessness differ between working and nonworking women, and husband's and wife's incomes operate in opposing directions.