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The motherhood trap: how the first child shapes couples' labour trajectories

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  • Martina Querejeta

Abstract

This paper examines how the first child reshapes couples' labour supply and specialization using matched administrative data from birth certificates and labour registries in Uruguay. An event study design shows an 8% decline in dual-earner couples—those in which both parents are working—driven by a persistent shift toward male-breadwinner arrangements. Mothers' share of the income of the couple remains 6% below its pre-birth level five years after childbirth, while total couple income largely recovers.

Suggested Citation

  • Martina Querejeta, 2026. "The motherhood trap: how the first child shapes couples' labour trajectories," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2026-102, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2026-102
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