This study, “Black Female-Headed Families in the Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan South: A Profile of Their Economic Status” by Joyce E. Allen and Pamela K. Joshi, examines the socioeconomic characteristics of black female-headed families with dependent children in the Southern United States. The analysis is broken down by residence (metropolitan vs. nonmetropolitan) and marital status (formerly married vs. never married), using data from the 1986 and 1987 Current Population Survey.Key findings include:
- Prevalence and Economic Disadvantage: The number of female-headed families, particularly black female-headed families, increased significantly between 1970 and 1988. These families generally have substantially lower median incomes and higher poverty rates compared to other family types, with black female-headed families experiencing worse conditions than their white counterparts.
- Demographic Differences: Never-married black female householders in the South are generally younger and more likely to have younger children, potentially leading to greater childcare challenges that impact their work status. While median years of schooling are similar across groups, metro South householders are more likely to have completed high school and attended college.
- Income and Poverty: Black families headed by never-married women in the South have significantly lower median incomes, especially in nonmetropolitan areas. Earnings are the primary income source, but a lower proportion of never-married women in the nonmetro South reported earned income. Public assistance (AFDC, SSI) is the second-largest income source, and child support/alimony is the third, though adequacy of awards is a concern. Poverty is widespread, particularly among never-married women in the nonmetro South, with a high proportion living in extreme economic deprivation (income less than 50% of the poverty level).
- Employment: Over 40% of poor female heads were in the labor force, with never-married women slightly more likely to be so. However, poor female heads, especially never-married women in the metro South, face disadvantages in the labor market (e.g., high unemployment). A significant portion of poor female heads were not in the labor force due to keeping house. The majority of poor black female-headed families in the South have at least one earner, with the exception of never-married women in the nonmetro South.
- Occupational and Industry Concentration: Poor female householders are concentrated in low-wage service occupations and in industries like services, trade, and manufacturing. Nonmetro South householders are more likely to be in manufacturing, which often involves low-wage, nondurable goods production in high-poverty areas.
- Policy Implications: The study highlights the need for expanded AFDC benefits, policies to improve labor force participation (e.g., affordable childcare), and human capital development (education and training). It also emphasizes the importance of job creation in the primary sector in the rural South, as existing job opportunities are often low-wage and insufficient to lift families out of poverty.
