A physician I work with constantly makes remarks about statistics, in some ongoing studies.?

One study is: Black women without a college degree tend to have more children.
Now, i don't have a college degree, but i have helped put all my younger sibling through college: a police officer, who went back for a bachelor's degree, a nurse, a criminal justice degree/going back to study law, and my husband whom left his career in the food industry, and is now a nursig student.
We have four children, but look those i've helped.
I have to be honest, i believe its true, but the reason why, is not being addressed, its(the study) looked upon as if we just do not have any goals.
I grew up in a household where my mom stayed home, and finished her career later in life, and i find myself doing the same. Education has no limit.

Every female in my family who's of age has gone to and completed college, there's five daughters, and two sons. i'm the only one whom have not finished. My sister's all have four children.

i would like to hear what you all think, men as well as women.

I am greatful for all the help, and different views, which honestly, I can say I agree with all completely. ALL OF THEM.
I didn't include that the physician I work with is female, i wanted to see what anwers i would get first, and found that it truly wouldn't matter in the end; however, i thought being a female, and having a child of her own, and knowing my situation, she wouldn't say these type of statements only when i came in the room for assistance. So, i intend to use these answers when i'm feeling a little weak, understanding that what i'm doing isn't to prove anything to anyone, or for praise, its because thats the right thing to do. In addition , my goal is to finish my nursing degree, and become the nurse manager there, which will only take a few years.

I THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP.
It was extremely difficult to pick the best answer, i am going to draw from all the support, and i thank you all again.

honeychild.

Statistically that might be true, because realistically there is a large population of African Americans in the United States that live on less salary than other ethnic groups, especially in large cities. You have to look at the lifestyle they're living. Look at Africa- they have a population crisis on their hands because so many children are being born (as well as adults dying of HIV/AIDS) When you have little and you're not pursuing more in life, what is there to do? It sounds bad, but of course you're going to have sex. Its free, its fun, it feels great, everyone can do it. Also look at the ethnic ratios of women working in the sex industry in the United States. Given that, one may expect that they'd have more children, perhaps due to accidents. Turn on the television during the day and you're bombarded with talk shows full of young, predominantly African American women looking for the fathers of their children.

It sounds racist, but the facts are there. I dont like it any more than you do. However, that doesn't mean you can't rise above it. I applaud you for supporting your younger sibling, husband, etc. No woman should be judged as somehow poor or promiscuous either by how many children they have. Frankly, I think your physician colleague needs to stop spouting off racially charged statistics.

There are lies, damned lies, and statistics.

Statistics, alone, are just numbers.

The question is what is the causation.

Does the lack of a college degree lead to having more kids or - as seems to me to be more likely - are people who have kids early less likely to go to college, and then to have more kids?

Richard

They also say those in the military have more children due to lower education. Both my husband and I are college educated, and have no children. Shoots that theory to hell! Basically the physician is a jerk (and possibly a racist jerk at that!).

Statistics are useful sometimes. Most of the time, they are contorted to mean whatever the person wants them to mean.

Even when statistics are true, you don't need to fit the norm. Be proud if you don't.

You sound like a loving giving woman. Education is great, but being a mother is the best. Take your time, and if it just isn't in your agenda now. It will be when you are ready. I admire you and how you put your feelings.

Statistics can be made to say whatever the person asking the questions wants it to. The answer options given to you are usually worded to make you answer they way they want. Take all statistics with a grain of salt.

Almost any statistic can be skewed.

I would bet if you did a study on white women, or hispanic women, or asian women; you would find the same thing.

Those that are college educated, especially if they pay for it (or have to pay for it) themselves statistically have fewer children because their careers are a large part of their identities and as such they choose to have smaller families.

Throw that one back at him and see what he says.

And let this be a lesson that numbers can, and do, lie if you do not know the complete facts behind the study.

And here is a statistic for you. Did you know that white, middle aged men are more likely to lose medical malpractice suits in America than black middle-aged men? (has to be true because there are more white male doctors than black male doctors, so it figures that more white docs would be sued and lose).

Hi. Your question caught my eye. Very interesting.

First of all....good for you for helping your siblings through college and going to college yourself now! I totally agree...education has no limits!

Well....I'm not sure where he got his statistics, but I suppose IT COULD be true. But does that mean that white women without a college degree have less children than black women without a college degree? I don't know. Could be true...but so what if it is???

It seems like he is judging you, which is totally unfair and, may I say, unprofessional. Seems like he is trying to show how smart he is by spurting off all these statistics. Who cares? As long as you are doing your job, I think this is totally uncalled for.

Once you finish your degree...look for a new job...one that you will be valued for WHO you are!

Good luck!