This book explores the shifting patterns of parenthood in the United States over the past century, focusing on the timing of first births and the social, economic, and cultural factors that influence these decisions. It highlights the concurrent bloom and bust in fertility trends, where the number of older parents has increased, while the rates of childlessness have also risen, primarily due to delays in childbearing among younger people. Through an examination of historical trends, the book considers how factors such as education, religion, and socioeconomic status influence when individuals choose to become parents. It also compares American fertility patterns with those of other developed nations, particularly Japan, to show how different cultural contexts shape reproductive behavior.

The study takes a life course perspective, emphasizing how early life experiences and broader social contexts affect decisions about when to start a family. The book provides a detailed analysis of fertility trends from both macro and micro-levels, using a variety of data sources, including surveys and longitudinal studies. It also investigates the consequences of delayed childbearing, childlessness, and the timing of parenthood on family dynamics, career trajectories, and social roles. In doing so, the book offers insights into the complex interplay between individual choices and societal influences, and discusses the implications for future demographic and social change.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1988.