Divorced Mothers and Higher Education in Utah

Abstract

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.

KEYWORDS:

• divorce
• role conflict
• single parenthood
• socioeconomic status

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We gratefully acknowledge funding from the Ballard Center for Economic Self-Reliance, 360 TNRB, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602.

Notes

^a Bachelor's degree, Associates degree, parent has college degree, mostly A's in high school, student loan debt, and employed full-time: 0 =no, 1 =yes. ^b Employment income last year in dollars. ^c Computer skills: 1 =poor, 4 =excellent.

Note: e ^B = exponentiated B. Parent has college degree, mostly A grades, and student loan debt coded as 1 for yes and 0 for no. Computer skills scored from 1 for poor to 4 for excellent. Number of years single are coded in years.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

Note: Employment, associate's and bachelor's degrees are coded as 1 for yes and 0 for no.

***p < .001.

^a More than one reason could be given.