What do sociologists think of single parent family trends?

Question 1

Duncan and Rogers (commenting on the impermanence of the SPF)

Answer 1

Less than a third of children born into a single parent family stay in one throughout their childhood
- important to note that SPFs are not necessarily permanent but can be temporary/ transitional/ open to change

Question 2

Murray (right wing commentator)

Answer 2

Growth of single parent families is a result of an over-generous welfare state rewarding irresponsible behaviour

Question 3

Cashmore (questions the relationship between SPFs and two parent families)

Answer 3

• questions the assumption that children from single parent families are worse off than from two parent families
• sometimes it can be preferable to live with one if there were arguments at home