The Implications of Grandparent Coresidence for Economic Hardship among Children in Mother-Only Families.
Estimates suggest that more than 6 million children live with at least one grandparent. Despite evidence establishing the growing prevalence of this arrangement, limited research has focused on estimating the implications of co-residence for the economic well-being of grandchildren. Using data from the 2001 panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation, this paper examines levels of financial hardship among a particularly vulnerable group of children - those living in mother-only families. Findings suggest that children living in mother-only families that include a grandparent are substantially less likely to be living below or near the poverty level, compared to children living in mother-only families without a grandparent present. The financial security of children in these three-generation households is enhanced through significant economic contributions of the grandparents, and from household receipt of a wide range of financial resources, including means-tested cash transfers and other income such as Social Security.
Gerontology Institute and Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125. Voice: 617 287 7321. Fax 617 287 7080. For additional information, visit our website at: http://www.geront.umb.edu/
Jan E
JE
Mutchler
Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90089. Voice: (213) 740-7645.
Lindsey A
LA
Baker
economic well-being of children; grandparenting; grandparents; three-generation families