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Differences in consumption patterns of single-parent and two-parent families in the United States

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Abstract

Different patterns of single-parent and two-parent families in six major expenditure categories are examined using the 1989 Consumer Expenditure Survey. Comparisons are made of the influence of permanent income, family size, region, race, gender, age, and education of the head of the family on the expenditure categories. The results show that with the exception of expenditures on shelter, the two groups differ significantly in their consumption patterns.

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1991 Visiting Professor at the Family Economics Research Group, Agricutural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Current research interests include consumption economics and time-use allocation.

Current research interests include the economic status of American households.

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Abdel-Ghany, M., Schwenk, F.N. Differences in consumption patterns of single-parent and two-parent families in the United States. J Fam Econ Iss 14, 299–315 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01013982

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