ABSTRACT
This chapter explores why gender has become an essential analytical variable. It details additional characteristics of the female population and its housing problem. While the housing problem has long been associated with women's concerns, its definition as a gender issue has been articulated within the context of the conventional family structure. The chapter outlines housing conditions for different groups of women—single parents and the elderly. The housing quality concept employs three criteria to form an index which sets the minimum standard for decent housing in America. The criteria are: the physical adequacy of a dwelling, the extent of crowding, and the level of affordability. The chapter aims to contrast the women's situation with minority groups usually selected for attention by analysts. It traces the phenomena as they occur in the nation and in a locality, New York City and discusses extreme manifestations of the problems.
