Migration, family structure and children's well‐being: a multi‐level analysis of the second generation of the 1958 Birth Cohort Study

Abstract

The relationship between moving home, family structure and children's well‐being, is examined in the National Child Development Study (NCDS) Second‐Generation. Well‐being is measured as attainment in maths and reading, and on two behavioural assessments. Multivariate multi‐level modelling allows for heterogeneity both within and between families. We find little to no association between moving home and children's well‐being. Associations between family living arrangements and children's development appear to be mediated by human, financial and social capital, but not, on average, worsened by geographical mobility. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.