A comparison of lower middle income two-parent and single-mother families.
1991
Schuchardt J. | Guadagno M.A.N.
Using data from the 1987 Consumer Expenditure Survey, this study describes and compares demographic characteristics, income, and expenditures of lower middle income two-parent and single-mother families. Though much attention on childhood impoverishment is associated with single parenting, this article underscores the reality of financial instability faced by many two-parent families at lower income levels. Parents studied tended to be young, not fully attached to the labor force, and renters. Two-parent families received proportionately more income from wage and salary earnings; single mothers were more dependent on public assistance and alimony or child support income. For both family types, nearly three-fourths of family expenditures were for housing, food, and transportation, leaving little for other needs. For professionals concerned with the economic stability of American families with children, this article provides a clearer understanding of lower middle income families and why they are economically vulnerable.
显示更多 [+] 显示较少 [-]