Divorced Mothers and Higher Education in Utah

Drawing on human capital theory and role strain theory, we analyzed survey responses from 133 divorced mothers in Utah and in-depth interviews with a subsample of mothers to examine investment in higher education. In models predictive of postdivorce college degree attainment, having a college educat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marriage & family review 2013-06, Vol.49 (4), p.330-348
Main Authors: Forste, Renata, Jacobsen, Wade C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Careers
College Students
Divorce
Educational attainment
General studies
Higher Education
Human capital
Income
Loans
Mothers
Parent educational background
Prediction
Role Conflict
single parenthood
socioeconomic status
Sociology
Sociology of education. Educational systems. Lifelong education
Sociology of the family. Age groups
Utah
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Summary:Drawing on human capital theory and role strain theory, we analyzed survey responses from 133 divorced mothers in Utah and in-depth interviews with a subsample of mothers to examine investment in higher education. In models predictive of postdivorce college degree attainment, having a college educated parent was the strongest predictor of receiving a college degree. Computer skills and student loans were also associated with completing college. In modeling the relationship between college degree (associate or bachelor) and employment income, only completion of a 4-year degree was predictive of increased future income. Drawing from both survey data and in-depth interviews, we found that increased income, personal improvement, and career advancement were the primary reasons given for pursuing higher education. In contrast, the role strain from fulfilling multiple roles as a single parent and the need for career counseling were the primary barriers to investing in higher education.
ISSN:0149-4929
1540-9635
DOI:10.1080/01494929.2012.762448