Births Outside of Marriage, Lone Parenthood and Reconstituted Families

How many children are women having on average in 2023?

1.44 children per woman

What percentage of 30-year-olds were childless in 1971 compared to 2022?

In 1971, 18%; in 2022, 50%.

What is the average age of new mothers in 2023?

30.9 years old.

What is the percentage of children born outside of marriage in 2023?

Around 50%.

What trend has contributed to the rise in births outside of marriage?

Increase in cohabitation and declining marriage rates.

What societal change has normalized cohabitation and childbearing outside of marriage?

Changing social attitudes.

Why are people waiting longer to get married?

Due to the cost of weddings and raising children.

How did greater prospects for women impact childbearing?

Women are more focused on careers and may choose to have children first.

What does postmodernism suggest about family structures?

Society is based on freedom and choice, allowing individuals to prioritize personal desires.

How does Charles Murray view births outside of marriage?

He sees it as a negative feature and terms it 'illegitimate'.

What is the New Right's stance on government policies regarding births outside of marriage?

They believe the government should discourage it through laws and reduced benefits.

According to feminists, what does increased single parenthood indicate?

It indicates women have more choice and are escaping patriarchy.

What trend is observed in lone parent families in 2023?

They make up 25% of all families with children.

How does lone parenthood relate to poverty?

A child in a lone parent family is twice as likely to be in poverty compared to those with two parents.

What is the evaluation of lone parenthood's positive view?

It suggests the rise is due to increased tolerance of diverse family norms.

What claim does the New Right make regarding welfare and single parenthood?

They argue it creates a dependency culture and perverse incentives.

What is the reality for many lone parents regarding employment?

85% of lone parents would like to gain employment, but face barriers.

What characterizes reconstituted families?

A married or cohabiting couple with at least one dependent child not biologically theirs.

What percentage of families with dependent children are stepfamilies?

10%.

What do Ferri and Smith suggest about stepfamilies compared to first families?

They are similar in all major respects.

What challenges do stepfamilies face according to Allan and Crow?

They're more likely to break up due to specific tensions.

What is McCarthy et al.'s conclusion regarding reconstituted families?

There is significant diversity among stepfamilies, suggesting we use 'stepfamilies' plural.