Selected economic behaviors of specified female-heads of households

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine selected economic behaviors of female heads of households. The objectives were to determine (1) selected economic behaviors of single female heads of households, (2) selected economic behaviors of divorced female heads of households, (3) selected economic behaviors of separated female heads of households, (4) selected economic behaviors of widowed female heads of households, and (5) to compare selected economic behaviors of female heads of households by marital status.

The sample was obtained from the 1984 data collection of the 1968-1984 Panel Study of Income Dynamics by the Institute of Social Research at The University of Michigan. Those studied were all in households with a female head, children under age 18, no other adults living In the household and had been In this status one year or more. The sample consisted of 50.5% divorced heads of households, 35.3% single heads of households, 10.7% separated heads of households, and 3.6% widowed heads of households. Because of their low representation, widowed female heads of households were excluded from data analysis.

Economic behavior was further defined as financial and non-financial behavior. Financial behavior would Include savings, assets, spending and debt decisions. Non Financial behavior would include occupation, work and labor force attachment decisions. Economic behaviors were determined for each female head of household and comparisons were made among female headed households.

The statistical analysis used were chi square and analysis of variance. Chi square was used on nominal data and analysis of variance was used on interval data to ascertain If a difference existed between female heads of households.

The findings Indicate that female heads of households have different economic behaviors. Divorced heads of households had more savings, assets, debts, expenditures, and hours worked, than single and separated female heads of families. Separated heads of households had less savings, assets, debts, expenditures, and worked less hours compared to divorced and single female heads of households.

In 1984, female heads of households represented 48% of alI familIes in poverty. Female headed families, a diverse group, do not perceive their income in the same way. The findings indicate that female heads of households engage in different financial practices regardless of their income level.