Single mothers with a non-Western migration background; do they stand a chance in the labor market?

Abstract

In March 2002 member states of the European Union formalized a set of targets on childcare. The goal was to increase female labor-market participation by enhancing the provision of early childhood education and care (ECEC). More than a decade later Europe’s labor market is still characterized by a gender unemployment gap. Scientific literature refers to the presence of children as one of the most important reasons for this unemployment gap. The presence of children as a barrier to the labor market participation of mothers has been extensively researched. There remains, however, a rather vulnerable group, that of single mothers. Using an intersectional approach, I explored mechanisms behind the opportunities and barriers for single mothers’ labor market participation. From this, I concluded that mothers with a first-generation Western and non-Western migration background and mothers with a second-generation Western migration background are less likely to participate in the labor market in comparison to mothers from the majority group. Lower-educated single mothers are also less likely to participate in the labor market compared to non-single mothers. Furthermore, having higher education does not increase the likelihood of labor market participation among mothers with a first-generation Westerns and non-Western migration background, and mothers with a second-generation Western migration background. These results reflect social problems surrounding the motherhood penalty. They also highlight the need for policies aimed at addressing cumulative disadvantages caused by individual characteristics related to migration background and educational level.