Minority Status and Childlessness*

This study applies the Goldscheider‐Uhlenberg theory of minority status and fertility to black‐white differences in childlessness. It is hypothesized that when integration into dominant societal institutions is impeded, high‐status black couples are more likely to be voluntarily childless than comparable white couples. Using census data, the results tend to support this hypothesis, suggesting that among college‐educated, high‐status couples, blacks delay marriage longer and have higher rates of voluntary childlessness than do white couples. The implications of these findings are discussed and suggestions for further research are noted.