Territorial and Sociodemographic Determinants of Household Financial Provision Roles in Kazakhstan

Abstract

This research investigates how territorial and sociodemographic conditions influence household financial provision roles in Kazakhstan. Based on a nationally representative interview survey, the research uses hierarchical clustering and count-model statistical analysis to analyze distributional patterns of financial assignment, whether husband, wife, both, or others by age group, marital status, sector of employment, and territorial location. The findings reveal marked heterogeneity in household economic roles, testifying to the interplay of labor market structure, cultural norms, and levels of regional development. Young and middle-aged respondents report tradition and shared financial arrangements, whereas older and divorced respondents report female-headed and other household support. Urban areas demonstrate greater heterogeneity than rural and peripheral areas, with potential impacts attributable to processes of modernization and access to institutions. Sector of employment is also heavily involved in financial distribution patterns, testifying also to labor market segmentation and participation impacts on intrahousehold relations. In general, the research testifies to financial provision roles as determined neither solely by personal choice nor independent of personal agency and personal tastes and preferences. Instead, financial provision roles are strongly embedded in higher-order sociodemographic and territorial conditions. The research suggests a need for social and economic policies targeted by region to acknowledge heterogeneities of household form and changing dimensions of gendered financial roles within and from contemporary urban and industrial contexts such as Kazakhstan.