ECONOMIC ROULETTE

Authors: Lein, Laura; Benjamin, Alan; McManus, Monica; Roy, Kevin

Source: Community, Work & Family, Volume 8, Number 4, November 2005 , pp. 359-378(20)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

Complementing previous literature on welfare reform and the character of jobs in the low-wage labour market, we illustrate the lack of regularity and security that mark the jobs held by many low-income mothers. To do so, we present a typology of mothers' work patterns and illustrate their experiences through case examples. Our qualitative analysis of longitudinal pathways-to-work in three cities involved an examination of the experiences of 99 diverse, low-income working mothers with a young child. The work patterns that emerged from this analysis include: continuous duration of a single job; multiple job spells; underemployment; and churning in and out of employment. Findings indicate that a complicated ‘coming together' of well-paying stable jobs, consistent aid from public systems and stable family networks are necessary for mothers to take even the first steps into stable employment.

Keywords: poverty; welfare; jobs

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/13668800500262752

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