The emerging market for single-person households: An introductory study on the variables explaining this global phenomenon

This study investigates the socioeconomic and demographic factors that best explain the global rise of single-person households. Using secondary data from the United Nations and the World Bank for 123 countries, the study applies stepwise linear regression to identify the factors associated with this phenomenon. Results show that Gender Inequality Index, Life Expectancy, Human Development Index, and GDP per capita together explain approximately 65% of the global variation in single-person households. The results indicate that while economic factors such as GDP per capita and HDI remain strong predictors, sociocultural variables, particularly gender inequality and life expectancy, play complementary and moderating role, while cultural familism and religious norms moderate these associations. The study contributes to the literature by proposing an integrative econometric model that combines economic, demographic, and sociocultural predictors. The results provide support for culturally sensitive approaches in societies transitioning toward more diverse household structures.