Indicates that the increase in female-headed households was accounted for by childless women who are ineligible for public assistance benefits. Although the public assistance system has become more generous, a married woman who becomes a female head can expect a substantial drop in her economic level. (Author)

Examines the likelihood of extended joblessness for breadwinners unemployed during the recession of 1975. Women who head families are more likely to be unemployed for an extended period than are male breadwinners. Family heads with young children are more likely to be unemployed than those with older families. (Author/BEF)

In recent years there has been a rapid growth in the number of households headed by women and in the proportion of these households receiving public assistance. This paper presents a model to test the hypothesis that changes in the public assistance system contributed to the increase in these households. Current Population Survey data on the…

A study of parent-absent families in which a mapping sentence is presented which distinguishes between six facets concerning the nature of the absence and two facets which relate to its effects. On the basis of these concepts comparative studies can be conducted and findings generalized. (Author)

Presents a beginning conceptualization of five distinct life-styles of single-parent families. Social workers can help such families anticipate and deal with the psychosocial risks and make maximum use of the unique opportunities of the life-style they adopt. (Author)

This article attempts to evaluate, critically, the scattered findings on divorced women as single parents and on the family units they head, and to re-examine effects of stigma on these families. (Author)

An investigation of the literature was made to define their unique needs and problems and to determine what counseling and educational services are available for them. The literature revealed less attention to the specific needs of women who are single parents than to the overall general needs of women. (Author)

Focuses on the theoretical concept of the lone father family, examines previous research, and presents the findings related to a study of lone fathers. Research supports raising further inquiry into the question of single-parent, male-headed families, and structuring new policies in support of the lone father and his children. (Author)

Examined the effects of demographic variables, variables specific to marriage and divorce, and coping resources (internal and external) on the adjustment of single mothers. Results indicate that four classes of variables have an effect on the mother's adjustment: phase of divorce and/or separation; numbers and ages of children; style of coping;…

Examines the effect of family structure on the probability of exiting from welfare. Family structure is shown to have a sizable impact upon exiting welfare in both an aggregate and multivariate context, with female-headed families least likely to exit from public assistance. (Author/ABB)

Census Bureau information on the changing structure of the American family is examined. Discussed are types of households, one-parent families, women as sole financial contributors, working women, one-person households, delayed marriage, and divorce. (CT)

Explores the impact of the new welfare reform bill on female heads of households, arguing that the push for welfare recipients to end welfare dependency and enter the job market ill-prepared presents challenges in the home and the workplace. Suggests that adult educators' role in preparing low-skilled mothers for the workplace is central in…

Extensive economic changes may be brought about by divorce. In an attempt to demonstrate that the degree of financial dislocation following divorce depends on three factors--custody arrangements, wife's employment, and social class--data on men's and women's employment, income, and support payments were gathered for 222 divorcing families. Total…

Interviews with urban female heads of households were conducted to study decisions regarding child care for school-age children. Subjects attempted to choose care that was compatible with their role as provider and with their resources. Feelings, values, and children's opinions played a role in decisions. (PCB)

This report details the progress and findings of the first stage of research on Hispanic female heads-of-households and their access to social services. The report begins with a statistical portrait of Hispanic female heads-of-households, particularly those who live in New York City. The discussion follows and reviews the debate over welfare…