Overview
Single-parent families, by definition, are families having a single parent as the head of the family either by choice, as a consequence of death of the other partner, or divorce. It is important to note that over the last two decades, single parent families have been on the increase – effectively resulting in family structure changes. As a matter of fact, as Strong, DeVault, and Cohen (2010) point out, “in the United States, as throughout the world, single parent families have increased and continue to grow in number” (p. 468). Various research studies conducted in the past have clearly demonstrated that single parent families face more challenges than two-parent families. This text will identify some of the more prominent challenges that have been identified. Further single parenting resources and some of the solutions to the identified challenges will be highlighted.
Discussion
Stereotypes and Discrimination
It is important to note, from the onset, that discrimination and stereotypes happen to be some of the major challenges single families face. Towards, this end, single parent families are viewed as dysfunctional or broken homes, and as Erera (2001) points out, at the societal level, “the prevalent perception of the single-parent family is one of deviance…” What this effectively means is that single parents, especially single mothers are likely to be viewed as being irresponsible and uncaring even in situations whereby the single parenthood situation was triggered by circumstances beyond their control, i.e. death of the other partner. On the other hand, single fathers are likely to attract sympathy even in those instances whereby single parenting is by choice. As Valiquette-Tessier, Vandette, and Gosselin (2015) observe, married parents appear to remain the parental type that is the most positively stereotyped and against which other types are compared.” This is the perception that is widely accepted society-wide. For single mothers, this is especially a significant problem as it could get in the way of providing for the family i.e. via reduced employment opportunities. Further, such stereotypes and judgmental tendencies often make it difficult for single parents to maintain self-confidence. Also of great concern is the issue of discrimination – on the basis of erroneous perceptions. For instance, a single mother may be denied promotion opportunities on the strength of the ‘irresponsible’ tag. Employers could also view single parents as having too many parenting responsibilities to be able to handle more professional roles at the workplace. There are various strategies single parents could adopt in an attempt to rein in other people’s perceptions of single parents, especially in instances whereby the said perceptions get in the way of professional development or cost one a job. These include, but they are not limited to, seeking legal redress. Towards this end, it should be noted that making use of familial responsibilities or structure as a basis for discrimination at the workplace is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Single parents also ought to be assertive, goal-oriented, and avoid being swayed by other persons’ perception of themselves or their families.
Finances and Poverty
In essence, “single parents are typically the sole bread winners and primary caregivers within a family” (Allen and Eby, 2016, p. 365). In two-parent families, partners often share financial responsibilities through separation of responsibilities (in which case one partner could take care of the education needs of children while the other parent addresses day to day expenses in the household), or through pooling of funds (whereby incomes of both parents are pooled together to address familial expenses). It therefore follows that single parents have to use a single paycheck to run the household. Additional expenses, over and above meeting basic needs could also put a strain on single family households, further pushing the said families towards poverty. Additional expenses in this case could include day care costs, the cost of hiring a babysitter, legal bills incurred in custody or maintenance court battles, etc. According to a testimony Ron Haskins gave to the United States Senate Committee on Finance, one of the most significant contributors to rising poverty levels in the U.S., especially amongst women, is single parent parenthood (Haskins, 2012). Haskins is a former adviser on welfare issues in White House and Congress. In that regard, therefore, he is well-placed to comment on issues to do with poverty, its triggers, and impact. In his own words, “if wages do not improve at the bottom, all single parents with two or more children at or below the 10th percentile – and even many above the 10th percentile...
References
Anderson, J. (2014). The Impact of Family Structure on the Health of Children: Effects of Divorce. Linacre, 81(4), 378-387.
American Psychological Association – APA (2018). Single Parenting and Today’s Family. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/single-parent.aspx
Allen, T.D. & Eby, L.T. (Eds.). (2016). The Oxford Handbook of Work and Family. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Haskins, R. (2012). Combating Poverty: Understanding New Challenges for Families. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/testimonies/combating-poverty-understanding-new-challenges-for-families/
Erera, P.I. (2001). Family Diversity: Continuity and Change in the Contemporary Family. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.
Jackson, A.P., Preston, K.S. & Franke, T.M. (2010). Single Parenting and Child Behavior Problems in Kindergarten. Race Soc Probl, 2(1), 50-58.
Jeynes W.H. 2000. The Effects of Several of the Most Common Family Structures on the Academic Achievement of Eighth Graders. Marriage and Family Review 30(2), 88-90.
Kotwal, N. & Prabhakar, B. (2009). Problems Faced by Single Mothers. Journal of Social Sciences, 21(3), 197-204.
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