Lone-parent Families: The Economic Challenge

This volume is based on papers presented at a conference of social policy experts that looked at the growth in lone-parent families, the problems that have emerged, and their policy implications. Chapter 1 is an "Overview" (Duskin). Three chapters look at demographic trends over time and over the life-cycle; they are: "Demographic Aspects of the Growing Number of Lone-Parent Families" (Ermisch); "Lone Parent Families and Their Economic Problems: Transitory or Persistent?" (Duncan, Rodgers); and "Analysis of the Dynamics of Lone Parenthood: Socio-Economic Influences on Entry and Exit Rates" (Ermisch et al.). Two chapters explore relative financial responsibilities: "Lone Parent Families: Family Law and Income Transfers" (Maclean) and "Child Support and Public Policy" (Garfinkel, Wong). Three chapters examine barriers limiting the access of the custodial parent to the labor market and adequate earnings: "Obstacles and Opportunities for Lone Parents as Breadwinners in Great Britain" (Joshi); "Labor Force Participation and Earnings of Lone Parents: A Swedish Case Study Including Comparisons with Germany" (Gustafsson); and "Child Care Policies in Comparative Perspective: An Introductory Discussion" (Ergas). The final three chapters concern the role of public income maintenance: "Valuing the United States Income Support System for Lone Mothers" (Ellwood); "Lone Mothers, Social Assistance, and Work Incentives: The Evidence in France" (Ray); and "Support for Lone Parents in Norway" (Askevold). (YLB)