Step families

% of families with dependent children in Britain that are step families

10%

% of step families with at least 1 child from woman’s previous relationship

85%

% of step families with at least 1 child from man’s previous relationship

11%

% of step families with at least 1 child from both partner’s previous relationship

4%

Ferri and Smith (1998) - positive effects and poverty

• Similar to 1st families in all major respects

• Stepparent’s involvement with children is positive

• Stepfamilies are at a higher risk of poverty

Allan and Crow (2001) - tensions

• Stepfamilies face divided loyalties

• Tension can be cause by lack of contact with non-resident parent

Ribbens and McCarthy et al (2003) - diversity

• There is diversity among stemfalies

• Tensions are not dissimilar from those faced by intact families

Reasons for the formation of stepfamilies

• There are more SP to form stepfamilies

Negative aspects of step families

• Higher risk of poverty due to having more children

  • Stepfather may have to support children from a previous relationship

• Tensions result from a lack of clear social norms regarding behaviour in stepfamilies