The name is absent

CONCLUSIONS

The social differentials between mothers who started childbearing at different ages have
been examined in terms of some characteristics which are likely to predate family
formation, such as family of origin and ethnic group; and those which may either pre-date
or also be the consequence of delaying, or failing to delay motherhood, such as
qualifications, current family composition and location. This is still not an exhaustive
account of material in all the domains covered by the first survey. The Children of the
New Century have unequal starts in life associated with inequality in the previous
generation and with the age at which their mothers became parents.

The Social Profile of Entry to Motherhood

We find stronger evidence of disadvantages associated with early childbearing than of
advantages accumulating with postponing motherhood into the thirties. Both types of
variable we considered are generally least favourable for mothers whose first child was
born when they were relatively young (before or close to age twenty) compared to those
starting families in their late twenties. There is much less difference between this group
and those starting families at ages over 30. Although teenage mothers are relatively rare,
those starting childbearing up to age 24 also stand out for having some of the distinctive
characteristics and experiences of early childbearing. Although more advantaged women
avoid early childbearing, those who start very late appear less socially differentiated.
(Note that women who are still childless are not observed). Entering motherhood around
age 30 is now normal. Early motherhood is more selective than later motherhood. Whilst

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