The Net Worth of Female‐Headed Households: A Comparison to Other Types of Households

Abstract

Abstract: This article presents the results of a study that investigated the level of assets and debts that female‐headed households have in comparison to those of married‐couple households and other types of households. The empirical results revealed that the amounts of net worth of married‐couple households and male‐headed households were significantly larger than that of female‐headed households. We discuss policy implications stemming from the findings of the study and recommend that the United States seriously consider creative policy approaches aimed at empowering low‐income households such as employment‐related supportive policies, microenterprise programs, and Individual Development Accounts programs.