Race Differences in Sexual Activity Among Adolescent Women: The Role of Neighborhood Characteristics

Abstract

A sociologist applied individual and aggregate-level 1982 data on 11620 observations and 1180 first intercourse events to multivariate hazard models to examine the role of neighborhood characteristics in determining racial differences in nonmarital sexual activity of US adolescents. The hypothesis is that racially-differentiated community environments generate and maintain race differences in fertility-related behaviors. The dependent variable is risk of nonmarital first intercourse. Socioeconomic status of the neighborhood (p < 0.05) and labor market experiences of neighborhood women (p < 0.001) were very important determinants of the strong race difference in risk of first intercourse. Both white and black female adolescents were more likely to have nonmarital sexual intercourse when the potential consequences of this sexual activity (as evidenced by the economic characteristics of the neighborhood and the experiences and behaviors of neighborhood adults) appeared rather low. When these potential costs appeared high however they tended to delay first intercourse. There were no cross-level race interactions suggesting that black and white female teens respond alike to structural constraints and opportunities. These findings indicate that race differences in adolescent sexual activity and its negative consequences will continue as long as the US has segregated housing patterns.