Intergenerational transmission of maternal poverty to self-esteem among young adult children: The role of employment

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study explores the underlying pathways of the intergenerational relationship linking parents' poverty, children's self-esteem and employment among young adults. MethodsThis study used two data sets from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 79 for Children and Young Adults (NLSY79 CY). A total of 9584 dyads was used for the final sample. The mediation model suggested by Baron and Kenny (1986) was used to examine. ResultsYoung adult children whose mother is in poverty are less likely to be employed compared to their counterparts with a mother not in poverty. Maternal poverty is significantly associated with young adult children's self-esteem. Young adult children’ employment is statistically related to their self-esteem. Young adult children's employment status mediated the relationship between maternal poverty and young adult children's self-esteem. DiscussionMother's economic status is an important factor for understanding intergenerational mobility. Anew angle is required to examine intergenerational mobility by considering the relationship between mother and child. The findings highlight that anti-poverty programs geared toward mothers with children would help to increase levels of self-esteem across young adult children. Intergenerational mobility is an important indicator for understanding self-esteem in young adulthood.