A GENDERED ANALYSIS OF THE NEXUS OF MARITAL STATUS AND POVERTY

Abstract

This study examines the gendered relationship between marital status and poverty in South Africa using nationally representative microdata from the 2023 General Household Survey (GHS). Drawing on feminist economics, intra-household bargaining theory and the capability approach, the analysis investigates how different marital categories, marriage, cohabitation, singlehood, divorce, separation and widowhood, shape individuals’ likelihood of experiencing poverty, and whether these effects differ between men and women. Descriptive statistics reveal substantial disparities across gender and marital groups, with women and unmarried individuals disproportionately concentrated among the poor. Logistic regression models show that, relative to legally married individuals, those who are single, divorced, widowed or cohabiting face significantly higher odds of poverty, even after controlling for race, education, employment, household size and age. Gender remains a strong predictor of poverty, although its effect diminishes once structural factors are accounted for, suggesting that labour market inequalities mediate much of the gender gap. Marginal effects confirm that non-married groups experience a significantly higher probability of being poor. These findings highlight the continued economic importance of marriage in providing financial stability, while demonstrating the heightened vulnerability of women, particularly unmarried women, to poverty. The study underscores the need for gender-responsive poverty reduction strategies that address labour market inequalities, strengthen social protection, and recognise the diverse household structures that characterise contemporary South Africa.