KWDI Korean Women’s Development Institute

This preliminary and exploratory research study is designed to raise awareness on the housing of female-headed households in terms of policy-making and to craft policy measures based on their status and demand. To this end, the review of housing-related existing discussions/research results, the analysis of the status of housing support policies, the analysis of the housing of female-headed households, the analysis of female-headed households' demand for housing, and policy-related suggestions were chosen as key research topics.

The research results show that a large number of female-headed families are vulnerable in terms of socio-economic status, leading them to live in poor surroundings. In every aspect including housing stability, costs, comfort and environment, male-headed two-parent families were most stable in housing status while unmarried single-person households and female-headed single-parent families were exposed to poor housing circumstances. Furthermore, the latter significantly feared that their economic vulnerability and poor living conditions could cause them to be exposed to crime or become easy targets for criminals.

Therefore, this study suggests that housing policies for female-headed households be directed primarily at strengthening housing stability and safety. To this end, three specific policies were proposed. First, support for housing stability should be expanded, taking into account the socio-economic weaknesses of female-headed families. In order to facilitate the scheme, the inclusive accessability of low-income single-parent households to rental houses should be improved, assisting unmarried single-person households in benefiting from rental house support programs through institutional reforms. Second, stability in housing assistance should be enhanced, reinforcing support for self-reliance in housing after dwelling support is delivered. To ensure this end, existing support policies in areas such as house supply, housing costs, and housing improvements should be enlarged, formulating and operating new systems to promote independence in housing. Third, an institutional framework should be set up and promoted in order to ensure the housing safety of female-headed households. In the same vein, safe home programs for women should be further expanded, preparing and including safety criteria in housing support-related operation guidelines.