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Single Parents, Marital Status and “Wealth-Being""

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  • Eva Sierminska
  • Sylwia Radomska

Abstract

We examine the economic well-being of single parents in a cross-national perspective and compare their wealth levels to that of other family types. We find similarities and differences in economic well-being as measured by wealth, across seven countries that represent various welfare systems. In most countries, single parents have less than 50% of wealth in the hands of their coupled counterparts. When studying single parents’ economic well-being it is important to account for their life trajectories before becoming a single parent. This paper focuses on this notion. Our results suggest that, to be better off, single- parents would need to be homeowners not living in the United States, even if they are highly educated located at the bottom of the wealth distribution. Since single parents are often at the receiving end of social benefits, means-tested (not universal) benefits may hamper their wealth accumulation patterns. We zoom into this process.

Suggested Citation

  • Eva Sierminska & Sylwia Radomska, 2024. "Single Parents, Marital Status and “Wealth-Being""," LWS Working papers 47, LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg.
    • Handle: RePEc:lis:lwswps:47
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Olympia Bover & Jose Maria Casado & Sonia Costa & Philip Du Caju & Yvonne McCarthy & Eva Sierminska & Panagiota Tzamourani & Ernesto Villanueva & Tibor Zavadil, 2016. "The Distribution of Debt across Euro-Area Countries: The Role of Individual Characteristics, Institutions, and Credit Conditions," International Journal of Central Banking, International Journal of Central Banking, vol. 12(2), pages 71-128, June.
    2. Karina Doorley & Eva Sierminska, 2014. "Cross-National Differences in Wealth Portfolios at the Intensive Margin: Is there a Role for Policy?," Research on Economic Inequality, in: Economic Well-Being and Inequality: Papers from the Fifth ECINEQ Meeting, volume 22, pages 43-85, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
    3. Alexis Yamokoski & Lisa Keister, 2006. "The Wealth Of Single Women: Marital Status And Parenthood In The Asset Accumulation Of Young Baby Boomers In The United States," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(1-2), pages 167-194.
    4. Eva M. Sierminska & Joachim R. Frick & Markus M. Grabka, 2010. "Examining the gender wealth gap," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 62(4), pages 669-690, October.
    5. Karina Doorley & Eva Sierminska, 2014. "Cross-National Differences in Wealth Portfolios at the Intensive Margin: Is there a Role for Policy?," Research on Economic Inequality, in: John A. Bishop & Juan Gabriel Rodríguez (ed.), Economic Well-Being and Inequality: Papers from the Fifth ECINEQ Meeting, volume 22, pages 43-85, Emerald Publishing Ltd.
    6. Grinstein-Weiss, Michal & Hun Yeo, Yeong & Zhan, Min & Charles, Pajarita, 2008. "Asset holding and net worth among households with children: Differences by household type," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(1), pages 62-78, January.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • R21 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Housing Demand

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