Same-Sex Couple Households with Children: Demographic Insights

Demographics of Same-Sex Couple Households with Children Kristy M. Krivickas Daphne Lofquist U.S. Census Bureau Fertility & Family Statistics Branch Presented at the annual meeting of the Population Association of America - April, 1, 2011 1

Goals and Rationale Examine distribution of multiple categories of children under age 18 in same-sex unmarried and same-sex spousal households Describe demographic characteristics of households with children Compare opposite-sex and same-sex couple households Policy implications One of first studies using nationally representative data of children in households containing same-sex spouses 2

Past Research: Children in Opposite- Sex and Same-Sex Households 2008 American Community Survey data 415,000 reported same-sex unmarried 13.9% of male-male and 26.5% of female-female contain children Increase from Black & colleagues (2000) estimates Same-sex couples - children from past relationship, rather than children from current relationship (Henehan et al. 2007) Possibility that same-sex couple households more likely to have a non-related child 3

Past Research: Repartnering and Childrens Relatedness to the Householder Rapidity at which and number of times individuals repartner increasing over time (Cherlin 2009) May lead to high numbers of step and/or combinations of biological and step children Boundary ambiguity who is in the family versus who is not Possible confusion about how each child is related to householder 4

Focal Hypotheses Non-related children more likely to be in unmarried partner households rather than in married households Non-related children greater likelihood of being in same-sex than in opposite-sex households Exploratory examination of demographic characteristics 5

Data and Methods 2009 American Community Survey (ACS) ACS replaces long-form of 2010 Decennial Census Largest household survey approximately 3 million sampled housing units Internal data files same-sex reporting status imputation flag 6

Data and Methods Analytic Sample HH that have child 18 years of age or younger HH that have non-related child 18 years of age or younger Only couple HH Analyses Detail distribution of types of children, both own and non- related children, in multiple households Describe demographic characteristics of each type of household with children 7

Table 1: Couple households with children: ACS 2009 PANEL A PANEL B Same-Sex Couples by Reporting Status Same-sex Married opposite-sex couples Unmarried opposite-sex couples Total same-sex couples Same-sex spouse unmarried partner Percent Std Error Percent Std Error Percent Std Error Percent Std Error Percent Std Error Children in the HH (number) 23,453,504 26,929 2,493,838 10,523 104,949 1,716 43,792 1,099 61,157 1,317 Non-related children1 0.4 0.01 13.1 0.24 * 9.8 0.93 *+ 1.2 0.40 15.9 1.51 Own children2 99.6 0.01 86.9 0.24 * 90.2 0.93 *+ 98.8 0.40 84.1 1.51 Own Children 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Biological Only 90.5 0.06 87.3 0.25 * 71.2 1.44 *+ 79.5 1.91 64.2 2.08 Step or Adopted3 4.5 0.04 5.6 0.18 * 21.1 1.28 *+ 11.1 1.36 29.5 1.98 Combination of own children4 Source: Unpublished tabulations from the 2009 American Community Survey. 4.9 0.05 7.1 0.19 * 7.7 0.88 * 9.3 1.51 6.3 9.88 1 Households with only non-related children 2 Households with only own children 3 Households with either stepchild only or adopted child only. 4 Combination of two or more of the three own children types. * Indicates a significant difference from married opposite-sex couples + Indicates a significant difference from unmarried opposite-sex couples Indicates a significant difference from same-sex reported as unmarried partner 8

Table 1: Couple households with children: ACS 2009 PANEL A Married opposite-sex couples Unmarried opposite-sex couples Total same-sex couples Percent Std Error Percent Std Error Percent Std Error Children in the HH (number) Non-related children1 23,453,504 26,929 2,493,838 13.1 86.9 10,523 104,949 9.8 90.2 1,716 0.4 99.6 0.01 0.24 * 0.93 *+ Own children2 0.01 0.24 * 0.93 *+ Own Children 100.0 100.0 100.0 Biological Only 90.5 0.06 87.3 0.25 * 71.2 1.44 *+ Step or Adopted3 4.5 0.04 5.6 0.18 * 21.1 1.28 *+ Combination of own children4 Source: Unpublished tabulations from the 2009 American Community Survey. 1 Households with only non-related children 2 Households with only own children 3 Households with either stepchild only or adopted child only. 4 Combination of two or more of the three own children types. * Indicates a significant difference from married opposite-sex couples + Indicates a significant difference from unmarried opposite-sex couples 4.9 0.05 7.1 0.19 * 7.7 0.88 * 9

Table 1: Couple households with children: ACS 2009 PANEL B Same-Sex Couples by Reporting Status Same-sex Same-sex spouse unmarried partner Percent Std Error Percent Std Error Children in the HH (number) Non-related children1 Own children2 43,792 1.2 98.8 1,099 61,157 15.9 84.1 1,317 0.40 1.51 0.40 1.51 Own Children 100.0 100.0 Biological Only 79.5 1.91 64.2 2.08 Step or Adopted3 11.1 1.36 29.5 1.98 Combination of own children4 Source: Unpublished tabulations from the 2009 American Community Survey. 1 Households with only non-related children 2 Households with only own children 3 Households with either stepchild only or adopted child only. 4 Combination of two or more of the three own children types. Indicates a significant difference from same-sex reported as unmarried partner 9.3 1.51 6.3 9.88 10

Table 1: Couple households with children: ACS 2009 PANEL A PANEL B Same-Sex Couples by Reporting Status Married Unmarried Total Same-sex Same-sex opposite-sex couples opposite-sex couples same-sex couples spouse unmarried partner Percent Std Error Percent Std Error Percent Std Error Percent Std Error Percent Std Error Children in the HH (number) 23,453,504 26,929 2,493,838 10,523 104,949 1,716 43,792 1,099 61,157 1,317 Non-related children1 0.4 0.01 13.1 0.24 * 9.8 0.93 *+ 1.2 0.40 15.9 1.51 Own children2 99.6 0.01 86.9 0.24 * 90.2 0.93 *+ 98.8 0.40 84.1 1.51 Own Children 100.0 90.5 100.0 87.3 100.0 71.2 100.0 79.5 100.0 64.2 Biological Only 0.06 0.25 * 1.44 *+ 1.91 2.08 Step or Adopted3 4.5 0.04 5.6 0.18 * 21.1 1.28 *+ 11.1 1.36 29.5 1.98 Combination of own children4 Source: Unpublished tabulations from the 2009 American Community Survey. 4.9 0.05 7.1 0.19 * 7.7 0.88 * 9.3 1.51 6.3 9.88 1 Households with only non-related children 2 Households with only own children 3 Households with either stepchild only or adopted child only. 4 Combination of two or more of the three own children types. * Indicates a significant difference from married opposite-sex couples + Indicates a significant difference from unmarried opposite-sex couples Indicates a significant difference from same-sex reported as unmarried partner 11

Figure 1A: Biological Children Only 100.0 90.0 *+ 80.0 * 70.0 *+ Married opposite-sex couples *+ 60.0 * Unmarried opposite-sex couples 50.0 Same-sex couples 40.0 * 30.0 Note: * Indicates significant differencefrom married opposite-sex couples +Indicates significant difference from unmarried opposite-sex couples *+ 20.0 10.0 * 0.0 % Both BA+ % Both employed % Owns home % Both lived same place last yr 12

Figure 1B: Biological Children Only 45 40 *+ 35 * Married opposite-sex couples Unmarried opposite-sex couples 30 Same-sex couples 25 Note: * Indicates significant differencefrom married opposite-sex couples +Indicates significant difference from unmarried opposite-sex couples 20 15 Avg age of HH 13

Figure 1C: Biological Children Only $120,000 $100,000 *+ $80,000 Married opposite-sex couples Unmarried opposite-sex couples $60,000 Same-sex couples * $40,000 Note: * Indicates significant differencefrom married opposite-sex couples +Indicates significant difference from unmarried opposite-sex couples $20,000 $0 Avg HH income 14

Figure 2A: Either adopted or step only children 100.0 90.0 + + 80.0 *+ 70.0 * * 60.0 Married opposite-sex couples 50.0 * *+ Unmarried opposite-sex couples 40.0 Same-sex couples 30.0 20.0 Note: * Indicates significant differencefrom married opposite-sex couples +Indicates significant difference from unmarried opposite-sex couples * 10.0 0.0 % Both BA+ % Both employed % Owns home % Both lived same place last yr 15

Figure 2B: Either adopted or step only children 50 *+ 45 Married opposite-sex couples 40 * Unmarried opposite-sex couples 35 Same-sex couples 30 Note: * Indicates significant differencefrom married opposite-sex couples +Indicates significant difference from unmarried opposite-sex couples 25 20 15 Avg age of HH 16

Figure 2C: Either adopted or step only children $140,000 *+ $120,000 Married opposite-sex couples $100,000 Unmarried opposite-sex couples $80,000 Same-sex couples * $60,000 Note: * Indicates significant differencefrom married opposite-sex couples +Indicates significant difference from unmarried opposite-sex couples $40,000 $20,000 Avg HH income 17

Table 2: Own children in same-sex households: ACS 2009 Same-sex Reported as Spouse Same-sex Reported as Unmarried Partner Household Characteristics Percent Std Error Percent Std Error All Respondents (number) Age of Householder Average age of householder (years) Average age of spouse/partner (years) Race of householder White Black or African American American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Some Other Race Two or more races Hispanic Origin of householder Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) White alone, not Hispanic or Latino Home Tenure Own Rent Residential Stability Householder only lived in the same place last year Both lived in the same place last year Both moved in within last year Source: Unpublished tabulations from the American Community Survey. * Indicates a significant difference between reported as spouse and reported as unmarried partner 43,248 1,119 * 51,454 1,411 40.3 39.4 0.41 * 0.42 * 38.7 37.8 0.40 0.44 75.4 12.4 0.8 3.9 0.0 6.2 1.4 2.11 * 1.72 0.33 0.92 * 0.00 1.17 0.40 81.1 11.0 0.4 1.7 0.0 3.9 1.9 1.79 1.49 0.17 0.44 0.00 0.95 0.57 18.0 65.6 1.91 * 2.31 * 13.7 72.1 1.61 2.05 69.1 30.9 2.30 * 2.30 * 61.8 38.2 2.20 2.20 10.5 85.0 12.9 0.47 * 1.84 * 1.78 * 4.1 76.4 17.5 0.75 1.90 1.76 18

Table 2: Own children in same-sex households: ACS 2009 Same-sex Reported as Spouse Same-sex Reported as Unmarried Partner Household Characteristics Percent Std Error Percent Std Error All Respondents (number) Age of Householder 43,248 1,119 * 51,454 1,411 40.3 39.4 38.7 37.8 Average age of householder (years) 0.41 * 0.40 Average age of spouse/partner (years) Race of householder White Black or African American American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Some Other Race Two or more races Hispanic Origin of householder Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) White alone, not Hispanic or Latino Home Tenure Own Rent Residential Stability Householder only lived in the same place last year Both lived in the same place last year Both moved in within last year Source: Unpublished tabulations from the American Community Survey. * Indicates a significant difference between reported as spouse and reported as unmarried partner 0.42 * 0.44 75.4 12.4 0.8 3.9 0.0 6.2 1.4 2.11 * 1.72 0.33 0.92 * 0.00 1.17 0.40 81.1 11.0 0.4 1.7 0.0 3.9 1.9 1.79 1.49 0.17 0.44 0.00 0.95 0.57 18.0 65.6 1.91 * 2.31 * 13.7 72.1 1.61 2.05 69.1 30.9 2.30 * 2.30 * 61.8 38.2 2.20 2.20 10.5 85.0 12.9 0.47 * 1.84 * 1.78 * 4.1 76.4 17.5 0.75 1.90 1.76 19

Table 2: Own children in same-sex households: ACS 2009 Same-sex Reported as Spouse Same-sex Reported as Unmarried Partner Household Characteristics Percent Std Error Percent Std Error All Respondents (number) Age of Householder Average age of householder (years) Average age of spouse/partner (years) Race of householder White Black or African American American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Some Other Race Two or more races Hispanic Origin of householder Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) White alone, not Hispanic or Latino Home Tenure 43,248 1,119 * 51,454 1,411 40.3 39.4 0.41 * 0.42 * 38.7 37.8 0.40 0.44 75.4 12.4 0.8 3.9 0.0 6.2 1.4 2.11 * 1.72 0.33 0.92 * 0.00 1.17 0.40 81.1 11.0 0.4 1.7 0.0 3.9 1.9 1.79 1.49 0.17 0.44 0.00 0.95 0.57 18.0 65.6 1.91 * 2.31 * 13.7 72.1 1.61 2.05 69.1 30.9 61.8 38.2 Own 2.30 * 2.20 Rent Residential Stability Householder only lived in the same place last year Both lived in the same place last year Both moved in within last year Source: Unpublished tabulations from the American Community Survey. * Indicates a significant difference between reported as spouse and reported as unmarried partner 2.30 * 2.20 10.5 85.0 12.9 0.47 * 1.84 * 1.78 * 4.1 76.4 17.5 0.75 1.90 1.76 20

Table 2: Own children in same-sex households: ACS 2009 Same-sex Reported as Spouse Same-sex Reported as Unmarried Partner Household Characteristics Percent Std Error Percent Std Error All Respondents (number) Age of Householder Average age of householder (years) Average age of spouse/partner (years) Race of householder White Black or African American American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Some Other Race Two or more races Hispanic Origin of householder Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) White alone, not Hispanic or Latino Home Tenure Own Rent Residential Stability 43,248 1,119 * 51,454 1,411 40.3 39.4 0.41 * 0.42 * 38.7 37.8 0.40 0.44 75.4 12.4 0.8 3.9 0.0 6.2 1.4 2.11 * 1.72 0.33 0.92 * 0.00 1.17 0.40 81.1 11.0 0.4 1.7 0.0 3.9 1.9 1.79 1.49 0.17 0.44 0.00 0.95 0.57 18.0 65.6 1.91 * 2.31 * 13.7 72.1 1.61 2.05 69.1 30.9 2.30 * 2.30 * 61.8 38.2 2.20 2.20 10.5 85.0 12.9 4.1 76.4 17.5 Householder only lived in the same place last year 0.47 * 0.75 Both lived in the same place last year 1.84 * 1.90 Both moved in within last year Source: Unpublished tabulations from the American Community Survey. Standard errors were derived using the Taylor Expansion method. * Indicates a significant difference between reported as spouse and reported as unmarried partner 1.78 * 1.76 21

Conclusions Partial support for our hypotheses Same-sex households would be more likely to have only non-related children compared with opposite-sex householders Non-related children more likely in unmarried households versus married households, regardless of the sex of the partner 22

Conclusions Consistent with past research on boundary ambiguity among cohabiting couples Tentative evidence legally tenuous households less likely to claim partner s child as their own child 23

Conclusions Only adopted/only step households significantly higher avg. household incomes Financial and psychological costs Among adopted/step only households, same-sex couples and married opposite-sex couples similar Suggests adopted and step children at no greater socio- economic disadvantage Possible advantage compared to unmarried opposite-sex 24

Future Research Who are these non-related children? Random addition to household More likely belong to partner of householder What are consequences if a partner s child is claimed as non-related? Lower levels of parental support, higher likelihood of dissolution 25

Future Research Provide only descriptive, demographic baseline Need relationship characteristics Additional partner information 26