Family Structure Change Among Latinos: Variation by Ecologic Risk

Abstract

We examined differences in family structure change in an urban sample of mothers ( N = 1,314) from their child’s birth to age 5 and whether ecological risk moderated this association. We found that compared with U.S.-born Latino mothers, foreign-born Latino mothers were 62% less likely to break up and 75% less likely to repartner than remain stably resident. Across nativity status, Latina mothers with fewer children, more economic stress, less income, and less frequently reported father involvement were more likely to break up and repartner than remain stably resident. We found no moderation effects of ecological risk.

Understanding Latino Children and Families’ Well-being Requires Data Disaggregated by Birth Within or Outside the United States

“…17 Additionally, family stability and household composition (stable two-parent households), a strong sense of family unity and cohesion (living in intergenerational households, strong co-parenting), and psychological functioning (optimism and social support) can improve resilience and overall well-being. 17,51,104,105 To support Latino families, programs should recognize the potential for these factors to promote overall well-being and protect families from the challenges they face. Programs designed to build upon the strengths of each group have a better chance of promoting community engagement, language proficiency, educational opportunities, and bicultural identity, which can enhance resilience, reduce disparities, and nurture a more inclusive and supportive society for all Latinos.…”

The Myth of Low-Income Black Fathers’ Absence From the Lives of Adolescents

“…Long work hours are negatively associated with lower levels of father involvement (Ko & Hwang, 2021). On the basis of studies showing that immigrant parents tend to be more traditional in their views about family and parenting (e.g., Cabrera et al, 2019;Onyeze-Joe & Godin, 2020;Roopnarine, 2004), the current study controlled for fathers' immigrant status. For example, Cabrera et al (2019) found that foreign-born Latino parents have stronger cultural beliefs about the centrality of the family in their lives than U.S.-born Latino parents, and these values are reflected in higher levels of family stability among foreign-born couples versus native-born couples.…”

“…On the basis of studies showing that immigrant parents tend to be more traditional in their views about family and parenting (e.g., Cabrera et al, 2019;Onyeze-Joe & Godin, 2020;Roopnarine, 2004), the current study controlled for fathers' immigrant status. For example, Cabrera et al (2019) found that foreign-born Latino parents have stronger cultural beliefs about the centrality of the family in their lives than U.S.-born Latino parents, and these values are reflected in higher levels of family stability among foreign-born couples versus native-born couples. Qualitative research has found that although nonresident fathering is a well-established cultural tradition among Black Caribbean fathers, most of these fathers are still involved in child care (Reynolds, 2009).…”

Latinx Families’ Strengths and Resilience Contribute to Their Well-being

“…10 More than half of foreign-born (73%) and native-born (65%) Latinx mothers live with the father of their child at the time of the child's birth. 79 However, Latinx children with foreign-born parents are more likely to continue to live with both parents by the time they are age 5, compared to Latinx children with native-born parents and children from other ethnic groups. 10,13 Overall, Latinx fathers typically have biological children with only one partner, and often live with all of their children.…”