Women-headed households: diversity and dynamics in the developing world

Abstract

Households headed by women are a growing presence worldwide. This is the first book to focus on their diversity and dynamics in developing countries. Set within the context of global trends and debates on female household headship, the analysis explores the reasons for the formation and increase in women-headed households in different parts of the world and their capacity for survival in societies where male-headed households are both the norm and ideal. Case-study material from urban and urbanising areas in Mexico, Costa Rica and the Philippines illustrates the varied routes by which low-income women enter household headship, and the outcomes for women and other household members at the grassroots. While personal experiences of female headship often differ between individuals and countries, women-headed households everywhere are exposed to discrimination and disadvantage. Vital measures to counteract this tendency include increased awareness and acceptance of multiple contemporary forms of household and family life. To this end, Chant calls for greater collaboration in analysis, policy and action for gender equality across the North-South divide.