Lone-parent families

Lone-parent families

1. 24% of all families

2. 1/4 children live in lone-parent families

3. Increasing

4. On verge of 2 million for first time

5. 60.2% working, which is increasing

6. 8% fathers – more likely to be widowed

7. In some areas rates are higher – ¾ of Sheffield are lone parent

8. Employment of mother depends of age of child – 12+, employment rate similar to or higher than mothers in couples

9. Reasons for patterns

   • Increase in divorce and separation
   • Decline in stigma
   • Changing positions of women - free to leave relationship
   • Welfare state benefits an extra help with childcare
     • NR dislike this - breeds a dependency culture
       • Murray argues it's a 'perverse incentive'
         • Rewards irresponsible behaviour

10. Most likely to be headed by women

    • Seen as naturally caring
    • Men less willing to give up work
    • Mothers single by choice

11. More likely to be in poverty

    • Inadequate welfare benefits
      • Not enough to get out - cycle of poverty
    • Women earn 17% less than men
    • Some father fail to pay maintenance money