The deposit slip: a battle of the sexes a comparative analysis of the savings rates of male- and female-headed households
Date
2008-10
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Abstract
This study aims to find out whether there are differences between the saving rates of male and female household heads and what factors possibly affect these differences. Data and variables from the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) 2003 were used in this paper. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions for cross-sectional data, results show that female heads in non-agricultural areas have the highest average saving rates. In general, non-agricultural households have higher saving rates, relative to agricultural households. An unexpected finding shows that saving rates are negatively related to the household head's educational attainment. Household size is also a significant determinant of the savings level. The higher savings rates of female household heads, however, may only mean that they feel their incomes are more uncertain because of lack of access to credit, incomplete information and liquidity constraints.
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Keywords
Gender, Gender inequality, Savings, Financial behavior, Savings rate