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Challenges in Measuring and Studying Multipartnered Fertility in American Survey Data

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Abstract

Multipartnered fertility (“MPF”) has become a major topic of interest in the United States due to potential negative linkages with parental, child, and family wellbeing. A first step in studying any newly emerging (or newly identified) social phenomenon is to properly define the issue and identify its prevalence. However, this is problematic in the case of MPF because most existing sources of data were not originally designed to study MPF. We examine the major data sources used to produce estimates of MPF in the United States, discussing the methodological issues that produce conflicting prevalence estimates and providing guidelines for producing comparable estimates. We also discuss important considerations for research seeking to link MPF and outcomes. Our recommendations will help researchers situate their findings in the broader literature and spur future research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology and Center for Family and Demographic Research, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA

    Karen Benjamin Guzzo

  2. Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA

    Cassandra Dorius

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  1. Karen Benjamin Guzzo
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  2. Cassandra Dorius
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Correspondence to Karen Benjamin Guzzo.

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Guzzo, K.B., Dorius, C. Challenges in Measuring and Studying Multipartnered Fertility in American Survey Data. Popul Res Policy Rev 35, 553–579 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11113-016-9398-9

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