Economic Strategies of Single-Father Families

Aurea K. Osgood, Bowling Green State University

While single-father families are better off economically than single-mother families, they still have less economic security than married couple families. As this family form continues to increase in prevalence, it is important that we completely understand the economic dynamics of single-father families. In this study, I focus on the economic strategies single-father families use to ensure economic security. Specifically, I use the 1999 round of the National Survey of America's Families to compare the economic assistance strategies used by single-father versus single-mother families. The economic strategies I examine include formal cash assistance (i.e., TANF) and formal in-kind assistance (e.g., food stamps). Findings support the hypotheses that children in single-father families are less likely than single-mother families to receive all forms of receipt. Limitations of this study and strategies for future research are discussed.