Understanding child support arrangements in Colombia: A social exchange theory perspective

Objective In this research, we examine the characteristics of custodial-mother families with a child support arrangement in Colombia and how key concepts from social exchange theory are associated with having these arrangements. Background A significant proportion of custodial-mother families do not receive financial support from noncustodial fathers. Prior research has identified processes behind low rates of child support receipt, but little is known about which factors determine whether separated parents make a child support arrangement in the first place, especially in less affluent countries. Methods Using data on custodial mothers interviewed in the Colombian Longitudinal Survey, we used descriptive statistics to examine the characteristics of custodial mothers with a child support arrangement and estimated logistic regression models to examine how economic dependence and commitment before separation are associated with having a child support arrangement. Results Only 35.7% of custodial-mother families had a child support arrangement, typically a private one. Mothers with an arrangement were more socioeconomically advantaged than those who did not have one. Only economic independence factors were significantly associated with having an arrangement, and a custodial mother's economic independence discouraged having any child support arrangement. Conclusion Economic factors may bear more weight than interpersonal ties in decisions to pursue a child support arrangement in Colombia. Implications An assessment of the costs associated with pursuing a child support arrangement in Colombia is an important step to improve the child support system's outreach to custodial mothers, current programming, and type of services provided at different stages of the process.