Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Thomas Pollet
The 'helpers at the nest' hypothesis suggests that individuals who are not currently reproducing often help kin by caretaking and thereby increase their inclusive fitness. Using a large scale historical dataset (Integrated Public Use Microdata Series sample of 1910; n=13,935), the hypothesis is tested that childless couples are more likely to fulfil such a role by taking care of a niece or nephew, but not a parent, than couples with children. Childless couples were significantly more likely to take care of a niece or nephew than couples with children. In contrast, couples with children and childless couples did not differ in caretaking of parents. Childless couples were also more likely to have more and younger nieces/nephews in their home than couples with children. © 2007 Copyright Cambridge University Press.
Author(s): Pollet TV, Dunbar RIM
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Biosocial Science
Year: 2008
Volume: 40
Issue: 5
Pages: 761-770
Date deposited: 10/08/2011
ISSN (print): 0021-9320
ISSN (electronic): 1469-7599
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0021932007002659
DOI: 10.1017/S0021932007002659
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric