WHEN NIECES AND NEPHEWS BECOME IMPORTANT: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILDLESS WOMEN AND MOTHERS IN RELATIONSHIPS WITH NIECES AND NEPHEWS

Abstract

As suggested by previous research, childlessness can thoroughly affect the likelihood of giving and receiving help to kin, even in modern societies. In this paper we show that childless women over thirty-five have had more recent contact with their nephews/nieces than mothers. Yet, both groups showed no significant differences in contact with their uncles/aunts. This suggests heightened social investment in kin with high reproductive value by childless women compared to mothers. Results are discussed with reference to kin selection theory.