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Single Motherhood in East and West Germany: What Can Explain the Differences?

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  • Uwe Jirjahn
  • Cornelia Struewing

Abstract

The share of single mothers is higher in East Germany than in West Germany. Using data from the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), we examine two transmission channels leading to single motherhood, namely out-of-partnership births and separations of couples with minor children. Women in East Germany have both a higher probability of out-of-partnership birth and a higher probability of separation. We find no evidence that availability of child care plays a role in the differences between East and West Germany. The differences in single motherhood appear to be rather driven by cultural and economic factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Uwe Jirjahn & Cornelia Struewing, 2015. "Single Motherhood in East and West Germany: What Can Explain the Differences?," Research Papers in Economics 2015-08, University of Trier, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:trr:wpaper:201508
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Uwe Jirjahn & Cornelia Chadi, 2020. "Out-of-partnership births in East and West Germany," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 853-881, September.
    2. Tu, Le Minh & Jirjahn, Uwe & Linh, Dinh Hong & Dung, Nguyen Dac & Kingsbury, Aaron, 2018. "The impact of unemployment on the resiliency of couples:A case study of Germany," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 62-68.
    3. Cornelia Chadi & Uwe Jirjahn, 2019. "Does Society Influence the Gender Gap in Risk Attitudes? Evidence from East and West Germany," Research Papers in Economics 2019-01, University of Trier, Department of Economics.
    4. Uwe Jirjahn, Cornelia Struewing, 2018. "Single Motherhood in East and West Germany: What Can Explain the Differences?," European Journal of Comparative Economics, Cattaneo University (LIUC), vol. 15(2), pages 197-229, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Out-of-partnership birth; separation of couples; cohabitation; child care; unemployment; culture;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • P20 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - General

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