A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

In Sickness and in Health : Job Displacement and Health Spillovers in Couples




AuthorsGathmann, Christina; Huttunen, Kristiina; Jernström, Laura; Sääksvuori, Lauri; Stitzing, Robin

PublisherMIT Press

Publication year2025

Journal: Review of Economics and Statistics

ISSN0034-6535

eISSN1530-9142

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1162/REST.a.1618

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingNo Open Access

Publication channel's open availability Delayed Open Access publication channel (the publications become open after an embargo period)

Web address https://doi.org/10.1162/rest.a.1618

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/508812339

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

Using administrative labor market data matched to mortality statistics and patient records, we document that negative labor market shocks produce sizable health spillovers in couples. For every 100,000 displaced men, there are 1,100 additional deaths. Of those, 60% accrue to the displaced worker, but 40% are due to excess spousal mortality. We find a stunning gender asymmetry: while male job displacement generates persistent negative health effects, no such dire consequences are observed after a woman’s job loss. We explore several explanations for these patterns: risk sharing through spousal labor supply; earnings losses and public insurance; widowhood; regional mobility and gender roles in the family.



Last updated on 02/02/2026 12:04:37 PM