What the study found
Gender differences shape poverty determinants among single-headed households in the United States. The study found that the factors linked to poverty were not the same for women and men, and that gender differences appeared to come from different responses to specific factors rather than from gender itself.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that gender-neutral poverty reduction strategies may be insufficient. The study suggests that targeted interventions, such as affordable childcare support to help low-income women participate in the labor market, may be needed to address gender disparities in poverty rates.
What the researchers tested
The researchers analyzed 1,383 single-headed households from the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, including 833 female-headed and 550 male-headed households. They used logistic regression and decomposition methods to examine factors associated with living below the federal poverty threshold.
What worked and what didn't
Working for an employer, self-employment, education level, and age were negatively associated with poverty. Fair health status and income uncertainty were positively associated with poverty risk. The decomposition analysis found a statistically significant coefficient effect, and employment had a marginally significant differential effect, with working for an employer showing a smaller protective effect for women than for men. No constant effect was detected.
What to keep in mind
The abstract describes the sample as single-headed households in the United States, so the findings are limited to that group. The available summary does not describe additional study limitations beyond this scope.
Key points
- The study analyzed 1,383 single-headed households from the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances.
- Poverty determinants differed between female-headed and male-headed households.
- Employment, self-employment, education level, and age were negatively associated with poverty.
- Fair health status and income uncertainty were positively associated with poverty risk.
- The authors say gender-neutral poverty reduction strategies may be insufficient.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Gender differences shape poverty determinants in U.S. households
- Authors:
- Patti J. Fisher
- Institutions:
- Virginia Tech
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-11
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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