The single-father family: Demographic, economic, and public transfer use characteristics

This paper examines the demographic and economic characteristics of single- father families, with particular attention to public transfer receipt. Coha biting and non-cohabiting single fathers are examined and compared to fathe rs in married-couple families. Estimates from the 1997 March, Current Popul ation Survey (CPS) are featured. Selected trend data for 1984, 1989, and 19 96 are also presented. The analyses show that single fathers earn substanti ally less than married fathers, have lower household incomes, are less educ ated, and are substantially more likely to be receiving public transfers. F urther, the socioeconomic gap between single and married fathers has been i ncreasing since 1984.