Is Homeownership Liberating or Limiting for Single Women?

As single women buy homes in unprecedented quantities, and much more frequently than men, Kate Bolick asks if female homeownership is liberating or limiting.

1 minute read

February 21, 2012, 5:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

As demographic changes lead to greater numbers of single women purchasing homes, 22% of all homebuyers in 2006 versus 11% in 1981, Bolick wonders if the "ineffable" qualities of homeownership outweigh the risks exposed by the housing crisis.

Bolick claims that, "the housing crisis is our chance to reconsider the centrality of homeownership to the national psyche. Buying a home still works for many people, but it should no longer be taken as the embodiment of the American dream."

In weighing the pros and cons of homeownership versus renting for single women, Bolick finds that, "What most of us look for in a home-a sense of security, safety and comfort-can be found without making such a major and complicated financial investment, one that, as the housing crisis has proved, can too easily end in calamity."

FULL STORY: For Women, Is Home Really So Sweet?

Saturday, February 18, 2012 in The Wall Street Journal

Housing United States Homeownership Housing Crisis Single Women

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.