Study shows more women are heads of households

A 1982 US Census Bureau report reveals some startling trends about American families. Are the number of households headed by females growing in the United States?

Yes, especially among blacks, according to the Census Bureau. From 1971 to 1981, the number of black families headed by women (no husband present) increased from 31 percent to 42 percent. Among white families, the increase was from 9 to 12 percent.

What about the number of children born in such families?

Fifty-five percent of all black babies and 11 percent of white babies in the US are born to unwed mothers, according to the Census Bureau.

How do these trends affect family income?

These changes are associated with high poverty rates, the report says.