Private Financial Transfers, Family Income, and the Great Recession.

摘要: From December 2007 until June 2009, the United States experienced Great Recession, its worst financial crisis since Depression (Grusky, Western, & Wimer, 2011; National Bureau of Economic Research, 2010). The level unemployment increased dramatically during this period, from approximately 5% to 10% in country as a whole, although certain subgroups and geographic areas particularly high levels (Hout, Levanon, Cumberworth, 2011). Low-income families were one subgroup especially vulnerable poor economic conditions; estimates Current Population Survey indicate that rates lowest income decile 31% October 2009 nearly 20% second (Sum Khatiwada, Because Recession was associated with such unemployment, among economically disadvantaged families, it is critical understand how general, low-income particular, manage support themselves when are aggregate conditions poor. Prior research has found private transfers (PFTs), defined provided mother by anyone other than child’s father, relatively common potentially important source income, for young children. Research PFTs most children worth 15% mother’s earnings, suggesting an component families’ package (Pilkauskas Alvarado-Urbina, 2014). In addition, studies have shown wealth enhancing (Hao, 1996) key resource helps mothers make ends meet (Edin Lein, 1997; Teitler, Reichman, Nepomnyaschy, 2004). As result, way may deal bad (and need they produce), like those increase received family members nonrelatives. If, however, their network also negatively affected conditions, not means provide PFTs. Thus, possible tend decrease high. Determining whether able rely on PFT receipt because long line demonstrated particular early childhood, predictor wide range outcomes (Brooks-Gunn Duncan, 1997). In study, we investigated three questions. First, what association between rate urban children? Second, does moderate population? Third, predicted probability differ at (its before start Recession) compared peak (10%)? Although prior studied percentage household made up (Haider McGarry, 2006), no used longitudinal data (including to, during, Recession), or particular. differences income. This oversight evidence suggests been Even greater need, unclear will conditions: networks resources necessary higher families. Last, impact exploring different consistent pre- recession levels. To address these questions, first five waves Fragile Families Child Wellbeing Study (hereafter Families; see www.fragilefamilies.princeton.edu/), covering years 1998–2010. These well suited significant variation over time, latest wave collection occurred Recession. include oversample unmarried births, resulting sample, making study heterogeneity levels.