Reaction to parent’s unemployment determined by gender

A parent’s unemployment can have diverse and significant affects upon their children, but only in males.

The gender of the child was found to be a prime determinant in the child’s response to their parents’ unemployment. In cases where a parent was involuntarily unemployed, sons were found to have a significant decrease in their life satisfaction. Daughters however, were found to not be affected by their parent’s unemployment.

While previous research has focused on the detrimental impact of unemployment on an individual, this research conducted by the Melbourne Institute highlights the diverse effects of unemployment upon subsequent generations.

The study urges policy makers to consider the broad implications of unemployment on individuals and upon future generations when drafting policies and legislation.