Gender Differentials in Household Structure and Socioeconomic Characteristics in South Africa

Abstract

This study used the 2002 South Africa General Household Survey (GHS) to explore differentials in household structures and socioeconomic characteristics. Household structures by gender of head were examined to inform the types of household that females are more likely to head compared to males. The study found that females are more likely to form extended households than males. Household size in female headed households was also found to be larger than that in male headed households. The study utilized principal component analysis to estimate wealth of households. Wealth estimate results indicated that female headed households are poorer than male headed households. However, comparison between female headed households in urban areas and male headed households in rural areas indicated that the former were better off than the latter. The study recommends that governments should assist poor female headed households. Furthermore, the study cautions that generalization of poverty among female headed households should be avoided as it can mislead the policy formulation and subsequent interventions.

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