The Housing Status of Female-Headed Households: A Comparative Analysis between Single-Mother/Unmarried One-Person Households and Two-Parent Households

This research has attempted to investigate the urban housing status of households composed of one-woman and households headed by a single mother, which combined represent femaleheaded households, in comparison with that of one-unmarried-man and two-parent households. For the research purpose, raw data from the 2012 housing survey by the Ministry of Land, Transport and Marine Affairs were used. According to the result, the housing status of unmarried single-person households and single-mother households was notably poor, while that of male-headed two-parent households was the most stable. First, the proportion of home ownership and jeonse rental (the South Korean system of deposit-based home rental) was distinctly high among two-parent households. In contrast, the rate of monthly rental was high among unmarried one-person households and single-mother households, signifying a less stable housing status compared to two-parent households. Second, the ratio of housing expense to total income was lowest among two-parent households, but relatively higher among singlemother households and single-woman households. Third, in relation to housing quality, a great number of single-mother households and single-man households failed to meet the minimum standard for floor area and the minimum standard for facilities, respectively. These two groups also showed the highest rate of failure to meet overall minimum housing standards. Fourth, the proportion of those living in a basement, daylight basement, or rooftop home was high among single-mother households and unmarried woman-only households. As to perceived quality of living environment, the scores between these two groups were very poor in the areas of safety, neighborhood cleanness, noise, and pleasantness. In this regard, there is a need for support for more stable housing for single-mother households, focusing particularly on general housing support rather than facility support. Regarding single-woman households, safety appears to be the area of greatest concern, highlighting the importance of improving their living environments.