A Comparative Study of the Characteristics of Female and Male Heads of Households in Urban and Rural Areas (1395 Census of Iran)

In the recent decades, one of the demographic changes that has been taking place in most of the world countries, including Iran, is the phenomenon of females as a head of household, which has been increasing for various reasons. In 1390, 12.1 percent of Iranian households had a female head, which has been increased to 12.7 percent in 1395. Current research, by using a secondary analysis of census data (1395), is a comparative study of the demographic, economic and social characteristics of men and women heads of households in the whole country of Iran in different parts of urban and rural areas. The findings indicate that the highest proportion of female heads links with urban areas (12.74%) and the highest proportion of male heads is related to rural areas (87.77%). The study shows that male heeds in middle age groups have the highest frequency; in contrast to women, the burden of household care has decreased among men by aging (age groups of 75 and older). Moreover, more than 40 percent of female heads of household are also in charge of themselves and they are living alone, while this ratio is lower for men. More than 70 percent of male heads of household are employed, whereas this ratio is 12 percent for women. Besides, the literacy ratio of female heads is lower than males. Findings of the research show that the level of employment and low level of literacy of the female households can affect the life quality of these households; furthermore, it is important for policy makers and decision makers to plan properly and timely to deal with the condition of these households.