Sally's Corner: Coping with Unmarried Motherhood

This paper examines the coping strategies of unmarried mothers (mostly black) for the 45 month period since the birth of their first child. The study is based on a longitudinal survey of first‐parity mothers in New York City. Their expansion of role responsibilities (employment, school, marriage, and subsequent childbearing) are analyzed, as well as the support systems they utilize (help from the child's father, the woman's parents, friends, and public assistance). The relationship between support systems and subsequent fertility is examined, as well as the practice of birth control since the first birth. In addition to analyzing unmarried mothers as a group, three case studies are presented, followed by a discussion of research and policy issues.