Lengthy exposure to single parenthood increases risk of welfare dependence

New research from the Christchurch Health and Development Study shows that the longer a child is exposed to single parenthood, the higher his or her chances are of experiencing welfare dependency later in life.

This is no surprise. The intergenerational effect of welfare dependence is well documented. Now we have confirmation through New Zealand research.

29.6 percent of under sixteen year-olds who had never been exposed to single parenthood experienced welfare dependence between the ages of 21 and 25. This percentage rises steadily with the period of exposure. Of those exposed to single parenthood for 8 or more years 53.5 percent experienced welfare dependence between the ages of 21 and 25.

The sample, 971, is not large and further analysis into the type and length of the welfare dependence would be useful. I am speculating the significant increase would partly reflect that girls raised in single parent homes are more likely to go on to become single parents themselves, many relying on the DPB.