Lone parenthood, characterized by a single parent raising children, is shaped by divorce, widowhood, or choice. This sociological phenomenon is more prevalent in women and varies by ethnicity, reflecting cultural influences. Lone parents face economic challenges, relying on welfare and support systems that differ by country. Despite the rise of diverse family forms, the nuclear family remains the ideal, with lone parenthood often being a transitional phase. Sociological theories offer varied interpretations of this trend.
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Lone parenthood refers to a family structure where a single parent raises children without the support of a partner
Shifts in Social Norms and Behaviors
The prevalence of lone-parent families has been on the rise in Western societies due to factors such as higher divorce rates, a decrease in marriage rates, and more acceptance of childbearing outside of marriage
Increase in Cohabiting Relationships
The growing number of cohabiting relationships, which tend to have a higher dissolution rate than marriages, also contributes to the rise in lone-parent families
Lone parenthood is more common among women, with a significant proportion of lone-parent families being led by mothers, but the incidence of lone-father families has been gradually increasing
Lone parents often face economic hardship and rely on welfare benefits to a greater extent than two-parent households
Lone-parent families encounter a range of challenges that affect their social, economic, and emotional well-being
Lone parents may face societal stigma and pressure to conform to the traditional nuclear family structure
While lone parenthood and other alternative family forms are increasingly common and accepted, the nuclear family remains the societal ideal for many
Sociological theories provide diverse perspectives on lone parenthood, with functionalists generally supporting government interventions to assist lone-parent families
Feminist theorists critique the patriarchal underpinnings of the traditional nuclear family and call for societal reforms that enable women to independently support their families
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In sociology, a ______ is defined as a family unit where children are raised by only one parent.
lone parenthood
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Prevalence trend of lone-parent families
Rising in Western societies due to social norm shifts.
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Factors for more lone-parent families
Higher divorce rates, lower marriage rates, acceptance of non-marital childbearing.
