Digital Commons Network^™

Does Receiving An Earnings Supplement Affect Union Formation?: Estimating Effects For Program Participants Using Propensity Score Matching, Kristen Harknett

Kristen Harknett

This paper demonstrates a novel application of propensity score matching techniques: to estimate nonexperimental impacts on program participants within the context of an experimental research design. I examine the relationship between program participation, defined as qualifying for an earnings supplement by working full time, and marital union formation among low-income mothers in two Canadian provinces. I find that receipt of an earnings supplement substantially increased union formation in one province but not the other. A subgroup analysis based on propensities of program participation revealed that the positive effect on unions was concentrated among relatively disadvantaged participants. The techniques demonstrated in …