Economic uncertainty in the life course: The couple perspective

This thesis investigates how economic uncertainty, particularly stemming from non-standard employment, influences various aspects of personal and family life over the life course. Using rich longitudinal register data from Statistics Netherlands, combined with survey data, the author examines the effects of employment uncertainty on relationship formation, parenthood, and health outcomes. The findings reveal that economic uncertainty can have both direct and indirect consequences for individuals and couples.

Chapter 2 shows that employment uncertainty, especially among less-educated men and women, negatively correlates with transitioning to cohabitation and marriage. Non-standard employment appears to hinder the formation of stable partnerships among the less educated. Chapter 3 highlights how economic uncertainty within couples tends to cluster, though this clustering diminishes over time, particularly among highly educated couples. The likelihood of both partners having permanent contracts increases as relationships grow longer. Chapter 4 demonstrates that men’s non-standard employment does not directly affect fertility, but lower income reduces the likelihood of parenthood for men. For women, both non-standard employment and lower income impede childbearing. Additionally, employment uncertainty in the form of unemployment or non-standard work correlates with a higher risk of separation, indirectly negatively affecting fertility. Chapter 5 explores the relationship between health and non-standard employment using longitudinal health panel data combined with register-based datasets. The results suggest that selection mechanisms play a significant role in linking health outcomes to non-standard employment, while causal effects are less pronounced. Non-employment appears to be associated with both selection and causal factors affecting health.

Overall, the thesis underscores that economic uncertainty permeates deeply into individuals’ personal lives, influencing relationships, parenthood, and health. The impacts of non-standard employment vary significantly by gender, education level, and life stage, highlighting the differential effects of economic instability across demographic groups.

Chkalova, E. V. (2023). Economic uncertainty in the life course: The couple perspective. Dissertation, University of Amsterdam, handle:11245.1/a1e7df0f-7d1f-45f8-b294-1b8161ae27b2.