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Single Motherhood and (Un)Equal EducationalOpportunities: Evidence for Germany

Author

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  • Philippe Mahler

    (Socioeconomic Institute, University of Zurich)

  • Rainer Winkelmann

    (Socioeconomic Institute, University of Zurich)

Abstract

We examine the effect of single motherhood on children�s secondary school track choice using 12-year-old children drawn from the German Socio-Economic Panel. In line with previous studies for the U.S., the U.K. and Sweden, we find a negative correlation between single motherhood and children�s educational attainment. Looking for alternative explanations for this correlation, we use probit regression models to control for factors related to single motherhood such as higher educational background, lower household income and higher labor supply of the mother. Our evidence suggests that single motherhood reduces school attainment mainly because it is associated with lower resources (household income) available for the child.

Suggested Citation

  • Philippe Mahler & Rainer Winkelmann, 2005. "Single Motherhood and (Un)Equal EducationalOpportunities: Evidence for Germany," SOI - Working Papers 0512, Socioeconomic Institute - University of Zurich.
    • Handle: RePEc:soz:wpaper:0512
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    school choice; educational attainment; binary response model; German Socio-Economic Panel;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure

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