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Demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors for the rise in one-person households in developing countries: the case of the Philippines

Author

Listed:
  • Jeofrey Bautista Abalos

    (National University of Singapore
    National University of Singapore)

  • Wei-Jun Jean Yeung

    (National University of Singapore
    National University of Singapore)

Abstract

This study investigates (1) the changes in the prevalence and composition of one-person households (OPH) in the Philippines; (2) describes the geographic variation in the prevalence of OPH over time; (3) examines the demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with the changes in the percentage of OPH; and (4) assesses the individual-level and contextual factors associated with Filipinos’ propensity to live alone. Data were drawn primarily from the 1990, 2000, and 2010 Philippine Census of Population and Housing. Descriptive statistics and a series of regression models were used in the analyses. Results at the macro level showed that the increasing proportion of older people and the rising levels of union dissolution were associated with an increase in OPH, while marriage delay was related to a decline in OPH. Furthermore, micro-level analyses also showed that older Filipinos and those who were never married, divorced, or separated were more likely to live alone. In addition, internal migration was positively associated with living alone, while international migration was negatively associated with solo living. While living alone is associated with individualization and a preference for privacy in Western societies, it has negative connotations in the Philippines because it goes against cultural norms. Hence, interpretations of OPH should be sensitive to the country's cultural context to better understand its origin and future trajectory.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeofrey Bautista Abalos & Wei-Jun Jean Yeung, 2023. "Demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors for the rise in one-person households in developing countries: the case of the Philippines," Journal of Population Research, Springer, vol. 40(4), pages 1-32, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joprea:v:40:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s12546-023-09312-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s12546-023-09312-z
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