Temporal Dimensions of Unemployment and Relationship Happiness in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Here we study how unemployment is related to partner relationship happiness in the United Kingdom. We investigate multiple dimensions of unemployment—current unemployment, changes in unemployment, duration of unemployment, and past unemployment—each of which provides unique insights into how economic uncertainty can strain relationships. Not including these aspects potentially leads to an underestimation of the long-term effect of unemployment and times when couples are especially affected. Using British longitudinal data (UK Household Longitudinal Study), we employ random and fixed regression analyses. The results highlight the gendered nature of relationships and employment within British couples. As found in previous studies, unemployment, particularly men’s unemployment, is associated with unhappier relationships. However, we find that over the long-run, relationship happiness declined and did not always recover. In addition, men’s re-employment did not solve problems rising from unemployment, especially for women, who continued to be less happy with the relationship when their male partner was unemployed in the recent past. Overall, the research showed that unemployment is not only related to relationship happiness at the time of unemployment, but had a scarring effect on relationship happiness.

For better or worse: Economic strain, furlough, and relationship quality during the Covid‐19 lockdown

“…Although the interaction terms in the main models were not significant, the couple sample findings suggest that men may have appreciated the break from work more than women, which then transferred over to their own evaluation of their relationships. Previous studies have found that in the UK couples still adhere to traditional gender expectations for men to work; for example, women whose husbands became unemployed experienced a decline in relationship quality, while men whose wives become unemployed do not (Blom & Perelli‐Harris, 2020). The furlough scheme, however, does not seem to be equivalent to unemployment, instead socially permitting men to take paid leave, and sanctioned as a way to avoid job loss.…”

“…For example in Germany, falling below the poverty line decreased relationship satisfaction for women, but not men (Hardie et al, 2014). In the UK, women became unhappy with their relationship when their husbands lost their jobs, but women's own unemployment did not result in a decline in relationship happiness for either partner (Blom & Perelli-Harris, 2020). Men's employment seems to be particularly important when there is a societal expectation that men adopt an economic provider role (Hardie et al, 2014).…”

“…Numerous studies have shown how unemployment is associated with poor mental well‐being and lower self‐esteem (Strandh et al, 2013; Suh et al, 1996). This loss of psychological resilience can cause individuals to become withdrawn and uncommunicative, leading to a deterioration in relationship quality (Blom & Perelli‐Harris, 2020).…”

“…Prior studies have found gender differences in the impact of economic uncertainty and unemployment on relationship quality and stability (Blom et al, 2017; Blom & Perelli‐Harris, 2020; Killewald, 2016). For example in Germany, falling below the poverty line decreased relationship satisfaction for women, but not men (Hardie et al, 2014).…”

“…Given this context and the economic uncertainty of the lockdown period, men's decline in working hours may have produced role strain, if men were unable to contribute to the household income. The inability to fulfill this role can lead to wives losing respect for their husbands (Blom & Perelli‐Harris, 2020). However, as discussed above, the furlough scheme may have alleviated some of the gendered role expectations, by substituting for lost wages and giving “permission” for men to take time off and spend time with their families.…”