Household changes in post-Apartheid South Africa

Abstract South Africa underwent dramatic political and social changes since 1991. This study documents changes in household size and structure from 1991 to 2022 using population census data. The average household size declined from 4.9 to 3.5 persons; the proportion of female-headed households increased from 30 to 50%; the proportion of single person households increased from 10 to 25%. These changes were found in all social strata, by residence status, by population group (race), and by province. They were associated with major changes: the dismantling of Apartheid, economic development and restructuration, rising unemployment, fertility decline, decline in marriage rates, new housing arrangements, and the HIV/AIDS crisis. In addition, a new wave of freedom from traditional structures seems to explain the outstanding development of people living alone, especially among young men.