The Dissolution of Joint Living Arrangements among Single Parents and Children: Does Welfare Make a Difference?

In: Social science quarterly, Volume 82, Issue 1, p. 1-19

Abstract

Objective. This research examines the claim that states' newfound autonomy to devise their own welfare systems will lead to more intergenerational family dissolution. Critics of welfare reform argue that children residing in states with lower welfare benefits will be more at risk of living apart from parents, as some parents will lack sufficient income to raise children. Methods. Data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation were analyzed employing a discrete‐time hazard model. Results. The findings suggest that the risk of children living apart from parents was lower in states offering higher welfare benefits. Also, results indicate that the children at greatest risk of living apart from parents are those who are either newborns or teenagers, are white, or have parents with disabilities. Conclusions. Growing reluctance across all levels of government to provide income support for needy families may accelerate the upward trend in parent‐child separation. Results further broaden the literature on household responses to economic setbacks by showing that economic deprivation leads single‐parent families to reduce the number of coresident children.