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It is well established that relationship separation has greater negative economic consequences for mothers than for fathers in Australia and other developed countries. While research has shown that, at an aggregate level, such negative impacts tend to diminish with time, the rate of change is generally slower for mothers than fathers, and a higher proportion of mothers than fathers continue to experience entrenched financial difficulties. Less is known about the variability of economic journeys experienced by women and men, taken separately, and factors influencing diverse economic trajectories. Drawing on data from the Longitudinal Study of Separated Families (LSSF), which followed up a large sample parents at three post‐separation points, this article examines poverty rates across a 4‐year period, transitions into and out of poverty and factors affecting these pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the on the financial disparities that occur between men and women following a divorce in Australia. Divorce is a major emotional and economic setback for many families. In Australia, as elsewhere, the economic consequences of divorce continue to be an issue of concern especially in relation to children's well being. About a decade ago, research conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies suggested that mothers (and their children) were at a considerable disadvantage compared to fathers in terms of their financial circumstances following marital dissolution. More recent studies overseas paint a less clear picture. While almost all report a decline in the financial circumstances of women post-divorce, trends for men appear to be more varied. Women's apparent post-separation economic vulnerability can be attributed to a combination of social and economic factors, some of which operate independently of marriage. These factors include women's weaker position in, and attachment to, the labor market, and their relatively lower earnings compared with similarly aged men. INSET: MEASURING FINANCIAL LIVING STANDARDS.

The article presents results of two longitudinal studies on the experiences and effects of life events in Australia. It explores particular types of events that occur at different stages of life and consequences for the well-being of those involved, including personal injuries, death of a family member, relationship changes, or changes related to financial matters. The findings reveal that experiences of life events may vary according to their personal circumstance.