Estimating the Reciprocal Effect of Gender Role Attitudes and Family Formation: A Log-linear Path Model with Latent Variables

Gender role attitudes and family formation are related in a dynamic process. In this paper both substantive as well as methodological issues are raised. At the substantive level we demonstrate that attitudes influence family formation in terms of commitment to particular states. Emancipatory gender roles increase the likelihood of single living or cohabitation. Remaining in that particular situation for at least two years implies that these women further develop their emancipatory attitudes. `Traditional' forms of family living, such as being married or being a mother, are related to traditional family values. At the methodological level, it is obvious that only panel data allow broaching the issue. We propose a log-linear path model with latent variables that allows taking measurement error into account. The design itself resembles a non-equivalent control group design.