Abstract
This paper investigates the change in women’s earnings following marital dissolution from a longitudinal approach. Using unique
data that matches the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) with Social Security longitudinal earnings records,
we examine marital dissolution events occurring between 1985 and 2003. Results show significant increases in women’s labor
market involvement and earnings following marital dissolutions over the past two decades. We find greater labor force involvement
prior to the dissolution event among more recent divorcees; however, among those already in the labor force, the pattern of
change in earnings associated with divorce has changed little over the examined period. Human capital and family characteristics
were associated with the change in earnings after marital dissolution.
data that matches the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) with Social Security longitudinal earnings records,
we examine marital dissolution events occurring between 1985 and 2003. Results show significant increases in women’s labor
market involvement and earnings following marital dissolutions over the past two decades. We find greater labor force involvement
prior to the dissolution event among more recent divorcees; however, among those already in the labor force, the pattern of
change in earnings associated with divorce has changed little over the examined period. Human capital and family characteristics
were associated with the change in earnings after marital dissolution.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s10834-011-9264-1
- Authors
- Christopher R. Tamborini, Office of Retirement Policy, U.S. Social Security Administration, 500 E Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20254, USA
- Howard M. Iams, Office of Research, Evaluation, and Statistics, U.S. Social Security Administration, 500 E Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20254, USA
- Gayle L. Reznik, Office of Retirement Policy, U.S. Social Security Administration, 500 E Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20254, USA
- Journal Journal of Family and Economic Issues
- Online ISSN 1573-3475
- Print ISSN 1058-0476