Early Parenthood in Britain and Europe: predictors, outcomes, and measurement issues

Abstract

This paper draws together results from research on young parenthood using a variety of data sources (BHPS, ECHP and BCS70) and methodological techniques. The body of work that is presented addresses three key issues: what characteristics can predict early childbearing (for both male and females), what socio-economic outcomes are associated with early childbearing in the UK and Europe, and whether the discussion of 'teenage mothers' should be widened in include young mothers in general (as opposed to just women who had a first birth before age 20).