“It takes two to tango, you know.” The perception of female Child Support Grant recipients on the effect of the Child Support Grant on paternal involvement.

Abstract

Since 1998 primary caregivers of extremely poor children can apply for a Child Support Grant (CSG). The main goal of the CSG is to reduce child poverty. From several studies it is known that CSG has a positive influence on school attendence, nutrition and maternal involvement. It is unclear if the CSG also has a positive effect on paternal involvement. Mothers can have an influence paternal involvement by either gate opening (stimulating both children and father to keep in touch) or gate closing (limiting the contact between children and father). This study investigates whether the CSG has an influence on paternal involvement according to female CSG recipients.