Final answer:
Categories of the U.S. population with the greatest share of female-headed households are single mothers. In 2021, approximately 23% of families were headed by single mothers, reflecting a rise in single-parent family structures and a high poverty rate among these households.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the examination of the population demographics and family structures within the United States, it's apparent that there has been a significant change in household compositions. According to the National Journal and U.S. Census data, female-headed households, particularly those with single mothers, have seen an increase over the years. In 2021, about 23% of U.S. families were headed by single mothers. This percentage represents a noticeable shift from the traditional nuclear family structure predominantly seen in previous decades. It's essential to note that the changes in household dynamics correspond with socioeconomic outcomes. The poverty rate among these single-parent households is relatively high, reflecting the economic challenges faced by single mothers. Data also suggests that the incidence of single-parent households has tripled since 1960. Furthermore, women continue to live below the poverty line at higher rates than men, and households headed by single women are twice as likely to live below the poverty line compared to those headed by single men.