A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
In Sickness and in Health : Job Displacement and Health Spillovers in Couples
Authors: Gathmann, Christina; Huttunen, Kristiina; Jernström, Laura; Sääksvuori, Lauri; Stitzing, Robin
Publisher: MIT Press
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Review of Economics and Statistics
ISSN: 0034-6535
eISSN: 1530-9142
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1162/REST.a.1618
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: No 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 address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/508812339
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
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.