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The Role of Single Motherhood in America’s High Child Poverty

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  • David Brady
  • Regina Baker
  • Ryan Finnigan

Abstract

Many claim a high prevalence of single motherhood plays a significant role in America’s high child poverty. Using the Luxembourg Income Study, we compare the “prevalences and penalties” for child poverty across 30 rich democracies and over-time within the U.S. 1979-2019. Several descriptive patterns contradict the importance of single motherhood. The U.S. prevalence of single motherhood is cross-nationally moderate and typical, and historically stable. Also, child poverty and the prevalence of single motherhood have trended in opposite directions in recent decades in the U.S. More important than the prevalence of single motherhood, the U.S. stands out for having the highest penalty across 30 rich democracies. Counterfactual simulations demonstrate that reducing single motherhood would not substantially reduce child poverty. Even if there was zero single motherhood: (a) the U.S. would not change from having the fourth highest child poverty rate; (b) the 41-year trend in child poverty would be very similar; and (c) the extreme racial inequalities in child poverty would not decline. Rather than the prevalence of single motherhood, the high penalty for single motherhood and extremely high Black and Latino child poverty rates – that exist regardless of single motherhood – are far more important to America’s high child poverty.

Suggested Citation

  • David Brady & Regina Baker & Ryan Finnigan, 2024. "The Role of Single Motherhood in America’s High Child Poverty," LIS Working papers 881, LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg.
    • Handle: RePEc:lis:liswps:881
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gornick, Janet C. & Jäntti, Markus, 2012. "Child poverty in cross-national perspective: Lessons from the Luxembourg Income Study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 558-568.
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