A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Measuring the standard of living in shared-care families—Challenges and insights




AuthorsNiemelä, Mikko; Hakovirta, Mia; Jäntti, Markus; Lindroos, Eija; Haapanen, Mari

PublisherWiley

Publication year2026

Journal: International Journal of Social Welfare

ISSN1369-6866

eISSN1468-2397

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1111/ijsw.70076

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1111/ijsw.70076

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/523275641

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

This methodological article aims to acquire a better understanding of how current research in the traditional income distribution literature considers shared-care families and what kind of implications these approaches pose for measuring the economic well-being of children living in two homes. Second, it provides insights on how to measure the economic standard of living of individuals in shared-care families. These aims are related to research gaps identified in existing research on separated families. The article pursues these goals by addressing the problems involved, highlighting some of these issues' magnitude and proposing ways to reduce bias in estimates of income inequality and poverty in post-separation families. The article also demonstrates the need to revise current theoretical assumptions that guide measures of economic well-being in order to accurately estimate the standard of living of children and parents in shared-care families.


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Funding information in the publication
Academy of Finland, Grant/AwardNumbers: 320162, 338282; NordForsk,Grant/Award Number: 148806


Last updated on 11/05/2026 11:17:57 AM