Abstract
The heterogeneity in female-headed households (FHHs) and the differences in household size and composition make the comparison of poverty across male- and FHHs’ complex. The differences in ethno-religion and patriarchal social norms embedded in the various cultures to which these female heads belong also create extra challenges when analysing female headship and poverty. This study, which investigates the poverty and expenditure inequality by gender of the head of the household in Sri Lanka, has a special focus on Sinhala and Tamil ethnic groups. This article makes a significant contribution to the literature on horizontal inequalities in FHHs across communities. Our results indicate that, while FHHs show a higher prevalence of poverty than their male counterparts in both Sinhala and Tamil households, the Tamil FHHs are more vulnerable to poverty.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
