Citation

Zelnik M, Kantner JF. Soc. Sci. Res. 1972; 1(3): 335-341.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1972, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0049-089X(72)90081-6

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Data on sexual behavior collected retrospectively in a national probability sample survey of females aged 15-19 make it possible, using life table techniques, to compute the probability of having intercourse prior to marriage. Estimates are provided for whites and blacks, for the synthetic cohort based on all five ages combined, and separately for each cohort, i.e., those currently aged 15, aged 16, etc. In addition, minimum and maximum estimates, based on different assumptions regarding ever married females, are also included.

The results indicate that at any age, the probability of first premarital intercourse is considerably higher for blacks than for whites. The most striking finding however is one that suggests that premarital intercourse is beginning at younger ages and that the extent of premarital intercourse is probably on the increase. The paper explores other possible interpretations of the estimates.