Family Structure and the Reproduction of Inequalities

TLDR

Income inequality has risen over the past four decades while family structures have diversified. The study argues that family structure is a key mechanism reproducing class, race, and gender inequalities, and that rising income inequality may increase single motherhood, especially among less educated women. The authors review studies showing a wide range of correlations between income inequality and family structure, note that single motherhood reduces intergenerational mobility through material and parenting effects, and link higher inequality to more single motherhood among less educated women. The review finds that unequal family‑structure distribution by race and the adverse effects of single motherhood amplify racial inequalities, while gender inequalities rise as mothers bear higher child‑related costs and fewer fathers experience family life with children.

Abstract

Over the past four decades, income inequality has increased and family structures have diversified. We argue that family structure has become an important mechanism for the reproduction of class, race, and gender inequalities. We review studies of income inequality and family structure changes and find a wide range of estimates of the correlation. We discuss how increases in income inequality may lead to increases in single motherhood, particularly among less educated women. Single motherhood in turn decreases intergenerational economic mobility by affecting children's material resources and the parenting they experience. Because of the unequal distribution of family structure by race and the negative effects of single motherhood, family structure changes exacerbate racial inequalities. Gender inequalities also increase as mothers incur more child-related costs and fewer fathers experience family life with children.