Lone-parent families

24% of all families
1/4 children live in lone-parent families
Increasing
On verge of 2 million for first time
60.2% working, which is increasing
8% fathers – more likely to be widowed
In some areas rates are higher – ¾ of Sheffield are lone parent
Employment of mother depends of age of child – 12+, employment rate similar to or higher than mothers in couples
Reasons for patterns
1. Increase in divorce and separation
2. Decline in stigma
3. Changing positions of women - free to leave relationship
4. Welfare state benefits an extra help with childcare
  1. NR dislike this - breeds a dependency culture
    1. Murray argues it's a 'perverse incentive'
      1. Rewards irresponsible behaviour
Most likely to be headed by women
1. Seen as naturally caring
2. Men less willing to give up work
3. Mothers single by choice
More likely to be in poverty
1. Inadequate welfare benefits
  1. Not enough to get out - cycle of poverty
2. Women earn 17% less than men
3. Some father fail to pay maintenance money

Resource summary

	Created by dottydiva96 almost 11 years ago