Housing, Well-Being, and Gendered Vulnerability: Female-Headed Households in South Africa

Housing is a critical social determinant of well-being and a central concern in social development, particularly for female-headed households (FHHs), which often experience intersecting forms of gendered and economic vulnerability. This article explores FHHs’ housing experiences in Rosedale, South Africa and their perceived relationship with well-being. Drawing on a social development framework, the study used a qualitative approach to examine housing as a gendered welfare resource linked to care, dignity, safety, and social inclusion. Snowball sampling was used to recruit eight female household heads residing in Rosedale. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. Participants described housing as more than physical structure, associating it with safety, dignity, privacy, family stability, and emotional security. They linked inadequate conditions, including overcrowding, dampness, leaking roofs, insecure tenure, poor-quality structures, and limited access to basic services, with emotional distress, physical discomfort, health concerns, and financial strain. Secure housing was described as a source of autonomy, stability, and perceived control. Some participants specifically associated homeownership with their ability to end an abusive relationship while retaining their home. These context-specific accounts illuminate perceived relationships rather than causal effects. The article argues that housing should be understood not only as shelter or service delivery, but also as a gendered social development concern connected to women’s well-being, family functioning and social justice. It recommends that social work practitioners connect community-based support and advocacy for FHHs with psychosocial support, referral services and access to developmental resources.