Nativity and ethnic differences in children's health environments in the U.S. and U.K.: the role of the family

Margot Jackson, Brown University
Kathleen E. Kiernan, University of York
Sara McLanahan, Princeton University

Using data from the United States and the United Kingdom, we propose to investigate whether strong nativity and ethnic differences in maternal health behaviors and child health depend on family composition and stability. Despite a large body of research demonstrating healthier behaviors and birth outcomes in immigrant families, little is known about how broadly this pattern applies. We use rich longitudinal data from the Fragile Families Study and the Millennium Cohort Study to examine two questions: 1) do nativity differences in children's health environments and in child health depend on mothers' family structure? 2) Are nativity differences weaker for mothers and children who experience family disruption in early childhood?