The Social Consequences of Single Parenthood: A Longitudinal Perspective

Loneliness and the lack of social support have been described as the more serious social consequences of the single-parent family status. Secondary analysis of interviews with a national sample of families over six years revealed many shifts in the household composition of one parent families over time a slightly lower level of community participation and a feeling of powerlessness among single-parent family heads. These findings cast some doubt on the usefulness of natural support systems for single parents. The findings seem reflective of the societal burdens placed upon lone parents. (authors)