ABSTRACT
Australian women generally occupy a more vulnerable position in the housing market than their male counterparts, and female headed households in particular experience significant disadvantage in terms of accessing and sustaining appropriate housing. This chapter examines some of the key reasons why Australian women occupy this position. The discussion focuses particularly on the period since the 1970s, as significant shifts have occurred in power relations between men and women over this time and the role of women within society and the family unit has changed dramatically over this period.
