Economic Events and Illegitimacy in Developed Countries

Abstract

Some traditional “explanations” of levels and trends in illegitimacy rates are reviewed. After discussing the four immediate causes of levels and trends in illegitimacy rates, we study the relationship between economic events and illegitimacy rates in developed nations. Trends in unemployment Some traditional “explanations” of levels and trends in illegitimacy rates are reviewed. After discussing the four immediate causes of levels and trends in illegitimacy rates, we study the relationship between economic events and illegitimacy rates in developed nations. Trends in unemployment are not related to illegitimacy trends; the level of wealth is not associated with high or low rates. In the 1950-1960 decade a strong negative relationship between the rate of economic growth and change in illegitimacy rates was documented for 11 early and 12 late marriage countries. A multivariate analysis, which included two demographic variables and economic growth rates, examined the direct and indirect effects of economic growth rates on illegitimacy rates. Analysis of the relationship of family of family allowance benefits and illegitimacy allowed us to reject the idea that the introduction of these programs has stimulated illegitimacy rates.