Alternative definitions of female headship in the Dominican Republic

Different definitions of female household headship have different implications for the economic status and welfare of members of female headed households (FHH). Using data from the Dominican Republic, this study compares four definitions of FHH: self-definition; no adult males (18-60) present; female earns over 50% of earned or of total income. The definitions are associated, but each defines a different group. Half of self-defined FHH contain adult males; half of those in which the woman is the major earner are self-defined FHH. In the Dominican Republic, female headship by any definition is not associated with lower income per capita, but sources of income are quite different: FHH are more dependent on transfers and gifts than wages; FHH defined by earnings are of higher income on average. Demographic composition of FHH is significantly different from male headed households MHH.