ABSTRACT

Appropriate as supplemental reading for courses in Social Policy and Social Studies that examine the role of parenting in society. The subject of lone mothers is a controversial and highly topical social and political issue. This unique core text examines the key issues in the debate, and assesses their impact on the UK and other countries in a comprehensive and accessible way. Broad in scope, it covers a wide range of issues including gender roles, the relationship of the family and the state, and the relationship between social policy and labour market policy.

part one|94 pages

The context

chapter chapter 1|30 pages

Lone parent families today

chapter chapter 2|21 pages

The fall and rise of lone parenthood

chapter chapter 3|19 pages

Thinking about lone parenthood

chapter chapter 4|20 pages

The role of the state

part two|127 pages

Lone parent families and social policy

chapter chapter 5|26 pages

Poverty and social security

chapter chapter 6|26 pages

Work and employment

chapter chapter 7|23 pages

Care and welfare of children

chapter chapter 8|23 pages

Non-resident parents and child support

chapter chapter 9|17 pages

Health, housing and hardship

chapter chapter 10|7 pages

Conclusions