The dynamics of single mothers' living arrangements

Using a four-way definition of living arrangements (independent, live with parents, cohabit, share with others) and data from the 1990 Survey of Incom e and Program Participation, I find that single mothers have a 26 percent p robability of switching living arrangements at least once during a 32-month period. Mothers living independently are the least likely to change arrang ements, and those sharing housing with individuals other than a boyfriend o r parents are the most likely to switch. Having lived for a longer period o f time in any of the four arrangements decreases the probability of switchi ng. Among those who change living arrangements, there appear to be some pat terns of transition. Mothers living with their parents tend to move into ei ther independent households or those that they share with individuals other than an unrelated man. If they leave, mothers who lived with their parents tend not to move back into their parents' household, at least within the t ime period examined. Women who share with others or cohabit tend to cycle b etween their current living arrangement and living independently. Among tho se who switch living arrangements, mothers who do not live independently te nd to have transitions into independence or other arrangements which increa se the probability they will choose independence in the future.