A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Divergent trajectories: three dimensions of child poverty during the Great Recession in Ireland
Authors: Sprong Stefanie, Gibbons Ryan Alberto, Chzhen Yekaterina
Publisher: Bristol University Press
Publishing place: Bristol
Publication year: 2023
Journal: Longitudinal and Life Course Studies
Journal name in source: LONGITUDINAL AND LIFE COURSE STUDIES
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
ISSN: 1757-9597
eISSN: 1757-9597
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1332/175795921X16551460545543(external)
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1332/175795921X16551460545543(external)
While research has investigated the effects of the Great Recession on the Irish economy using economic indicators or cross-sectional household-level data, this research note applies group-based multitrajectory modelling to provide a more nuanced approach. Using nationally representative, longitudinal data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, we analyse patterns in three common measures of economic well-being (financial strain; disposable income; material deprivation) across Irish households in the period leading up to, during and after the Great Recession, and subsequently, break down the characteristics for each group of trajectories. We identify six distinct trajectory clusters, which all indicate declining income and increasing financial strain from the start to the height of the economic depression. However, trajectory groupings show that experiences were far from uniform, with previous economic well-being and demographic characteristics shaping the household experience. Implications for future research are discussed.