Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/250629 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 14968
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
We investigate the role of employment in explaining changes in the mental health of single mothers compared to partnered mothers and single childless women during the period of welfare reform in the UK. We employ a time allocation framework to explore if reductions in benefit income led to a sub-optimal consumption bundle, resulting in lower in mental health, higher employment, and longer working hours. We estimate a Heckman selection model for employment and hours worked. A difference-in-difference model is used to explore if reform periods were associated with increased inequalities. Results show that employment was associated with better mental health for all women. Higher job hours were associated with lower mental health for all women but the association was not statistically significant for single mothers. Mental health inequalities potentially have increased post reforms.
Subjects: 
welfare reform
employment
low-income
single mothers
mental health
JEL: 
D13
I14
I38
J22
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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