Lone Motherhood and its Educational Outcomes for Children in Vietnam

Abstract

Micro-data from the 2009 Vietnam census indicate that lone mothers represent 11.0% of all women aged 15 to 49 living with at least one of their children ( 17 years old). Results from logistic regression models show that school enrollment and attainment levels are lower for children of lone mothers than for children living with two parents. This negative effect is observed for children of never married, divorced or separated, and widowed lone mothers as well as for children of women currently married to a migrant not residing in the household provided they are not head of household. This disadvantage may be explained by reduced availability of human, material, and financial resources; restricted agency of the mother; and long-term socioeconomic and demographic processes shaping family relations and migration.

The economic circumstances of widows in Vietnam

“…However, they mostly work in low-skilled sectors. [ 31 ]’s study also shows that children of widowed lone mothers have the lowest level of school performance, as measured by school enrolment and completion rates, pointing to concerning impacts of widowhood on the outcomes of both the widows themselves and their children.…”

“…Vietnamese studies that specifically address the economic circumstances of widows are rare, and typically, when widows are mentioned, it is only as part of a broader analysis of the situation of women. For example [ 30 ], includes widow households in his study of Vietnamese FHHs, and [ 31 ] mentions them in her study of the impact of lone motherhood on children’s education outcomes. [ 32 ] also include widows in their broad study of older persons in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand, finding evidence that widows are more likely to live solo, which makes them more vulnerable to stress, disabilities, and financial pressure.…”

“…[ 32 ] also include widows in their broad study of older persons in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand, finding evidence that widows are more likely to live solo, which makes them more vulnerable to stress, disabilities, and financial pressure. [ 31 ]’s study adds evidence to the disadvantaged economic position of widows by showing that widowed lone mothers have a relatively high prevalence of disability, a relatively low level of educational attainment, and a relatively high level of economic activity. However, they mostly work in low-skilled sectors.…”