Statistics in Focus: Population and social conditions. Lone-parent families: a growing phenomenon. 1998.

Abstract

In 1996, there were just under 7 million lone parents with dependent children in the European Union (excluding Den­mark and Sweden), representing 14% of all families with dependent children. The United Kingdom has by farthe high­est proportion (23%); Greece (7%) and Spain (8%) the lowest. On average, 84% of lone parents are female. The rise in lone parenthood has been one of the most striking demographic and social trends in recent years. Between 1983 and 1996, the number of lone parents increased on average by 58% in the 8 Member States for which data are available. In relation to other heads of families with dependent children, lone parents are less likely to be economically active, have a much higher risk of unemployment and have lower levels of educational attainment. The disparities are con­siderably greater for lone mothers than for lone fathers. Forthe Union as a whole in 1994, the average adjusted income of lone parents represented 77% of that of other fami­lies with dependent children. The most striking differences are evident in Ireland and the United Kingdom where the corresponding figures were 59% and 64% respectivel