Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Mothers' Assets On Expectations And Children's Educational Achievement In Female-Headed Households, Min Zhan, Michael Sherraden

Center for Social Development Research

This study examines the effects of mothers’ assets (home ownership and savings) on their expectations and children’s educational achievement in female-headed households. Through the analysis of data from the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH), results indicate that single mothers’ assets have positive effects on children’s educational achievement, and this effect is partially mediated through expectations. The study also finds that the positive effects of household income on children’s outcomes occur mainly through mothers’ assets. These results lend support for expansion of asset-based policies for poor women with children.