This paper uses data from the 1970, 1980, and 1990 Censuses to investigate the impact of welfare benefits across Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) on the incidence of single motherhood and headship for young women. A contribution of the paper is the inclusion of both MSA fixed effects and MSA-specific time trends to account for fixed and…

This report contains annual demographic data, based on information gathered in the Annual Demographic Supplement to the Current Population Survey, on household and family characteristics for March 1987. In the interest of expediency, the analytical section that had been featured in previous annual reports since 1953 has been deleted from the 1987…

This paper examines the extent and nature of poverty in Metropolitan Washington, D.C., how it compares to poverty in other similar metropolitan areas, and what can be done to reduce the numbers of persons suffering from persistent poverty in Washington. According to 1970 and 1980 U.S. Census Bureau data, poverty in the Washington, D.C.,…

Examining the relationship between urban to rural migrants and household income, 2,118 respondents representing urban and rural populations stratified across different labor markets within 8 counties in the northeastern Coastal Plains of North Carolina were surveyed. The variables employed were: households by race, female head, absence of 1974…

The basic hypothesis explored in this report is that a young age at birth of a first child is directly associated with becoming a female family head and/or welfare recipient. To determine the validity of this hypothesis, the effect of premarital birth, a young age at first marriage, educational attainment, and family size are explored. Data from…

This paper discusses the "Better Jobs and Income Act," President Carter's proposed welfare reform bill. Brief attention is given to speculation on "first order effects" of the bill. Effects considered concern the equity and the adequacy of the bill. Major attention is directed toward "second order effects,"…

The data on which this report is based were gathered from 1,074 male household heads between ages 45 and 64 whose educational attainment was between grades 1 and 8. Respondents were farmers, operatives, craftsmen, farm laborers, and other laborers. The purposes of this report were (1) to describe the occupational characteristics of low-income…

Decisions by individual women to seek employment outside the home are usually based on economic reasons. Most women in the labor force work because their families need the money they can earn--some work to raise family living standards above the low-income or poverty level; others, to help meet rising costs of food and education for their…

The purpose of this dissertation is to estimate the relation between hours worked and sources and levels of income as well as other market and personal factors for selected groups of low-income family heads grouped into four categories conforming to expected welfare eligibility requirements. Multivariate least-squares regression techniques…

This study analyzed the impact of family structure (two-parent families, single-parent female-headed families, or female-headed subfamilies) on health and on medical care utilization by 6,932 children. The stresses of single motherhood led to poorer reported health for young children, regardless of income adequacy, minority group status, or other…

Examines changes in female labor force participation since 1950. Finds little difference currently between metro and nonmetro areas in propensity of women to work outside the home. Traces racial and age differences in labor force participation. Finds family situation and changing social expectations responsible for increase in working women. (LFL)

Although single fathers constitute a minority of one-parent families, over a half million men are rearing their minor children alone. These fathers must make special psychological and sociological adjustments. This paper reports the findings of an exploratory, comparative case study into the parental experiences of single fathers (N=32). (Author)

This article focuses on stepfathering in the United States. The extent of the phenomena is estimated and an historical perspective is provided. Available empirical research is reviewed and possible future directions for study are suggested. To aid in this study, a conceptual model is delineated. (Author)

Reviews the historical role of the extended family in the life of African American women and discusses the adaptations they have used over time in their family life. Surveys functions of the Black extended family and argues the critical role of Black women in strengthening and renewing vital kinship systems. (AF)

Interviews with 247 homeless families (including 480 children) in 21 rural Ohio counties found that over two-thirds were headed by young single females. The most frequently cited reasons for homelessness were family conflict or dissolution and economic factors. Implications for service provision and policy development are discussed. (LP)