Children of Single-Parent Homes - Dissertation Example

Children of Single-Parent Homes Introduction Societies across different cultures are undergoing changes and one of the areas of change is the family. The concept of family in the contemporary world is totally different from what the old world perceived, and this has to do with increasing changes taking place within the institution of the family. For instance, the modern world is characterized by single-parent families where one parent is absent, thereby leaving the whole concept of child upbringing to one parent (Dowd, 1999). Different perspectives have been developed as to why there is increase in one-parent or single-parent families. However, analysis of the numerous perspectives just shows that prevalence of single-parent families are linked to divorce, separation, and death of one spouse (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). Field research and experts’ opinions have indicated that children from single parent families experience and manifest diverse life problems as compared to children in two-parent families (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). Majority of children in single parent families have been found to have life problems in areas of social wellness, economic wellness, psychological wellness, and education wellness (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). This on the other hands is the reverse of children in two-parent families. Therefore, understanding of the life problems children in single-parent families’ face is important especially when perceived within the larger perspectives and frameworks of family functionality. Single-Parent Families/Homes America is home to about 51% of single-parent families/homes and with numerous studies revealing the likelihood of this trend increasing in future, the overall future of functional family where both two parents are present remain deem. Single families are of diverse nature, whereby some originate from partners never marrying at all; others originate from partners after a short stint into marriage find the whole concept unworkable and decide to separate (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). For others, divorce become the route to take when marriage is totally dysfunctional and again other single-family emerge from the death of one parent thus the remaining becoming widowed and single parent (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). Despite of the type and nature of single-family in USA today, the bitter truth is that the problem is increasing and aggravating at an alarming rate. Differences exists with regard to lived experiences of single-parent families and this is largely contributed by factors such as economic and social conditions, religion, race, family size, and many more related factors (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). Single-parent families when compared to two-parent families exhibit some factors and characteristics that indicate numerous problems and hurdles the single-parent families experience and face as compared to two-parent families. It should further be understood that gender experience with regard to single-parent families is almost the same but on relative scale; women unlike men experience the most challenging experiences (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). Women as compared to men are seen to experience more problems due to low levels of education, employment in low-ranking jobs, rampant discrimination, lack of job skills and experience, and childcare issues. Again, within the single parent families there exist numerous categories the way it was seen earlier, which make lived experiences of different types of single-parent families totally heterogeneous. For instance, single-parent families that result from; never-married partners, divorcee and separated couples tend to experience more problems and challenges as compared to single-parent families resulting from death of one partner (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). Studies on these aspects of intra-single-parent families are enormous but not exhaustive. Problems and challenges single parents’ experience Many studies have been undertaken with regard to single-parent families especially their lived experienced which has to do with problems and daily challenges they face (Moynihan and Smeeding, 2006). For example, in 2009, USA Census Bureau found out that mothers in single-parent families are victims of economic vulnerability due to their earnings, which are usually low, and majority of them lack child support benefits (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). As a result, the report developed from the census results indicated that single motherhood is associated with poverty where the never-married single mothers are the most vulnerable and subsequently benefit from welfare (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). Richards and Schmiege (1993) carried study that involved 60 single-parent mothers and 11 single-parent fathers in an attempt to understand the problems children in single-parent families experience (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). According to the findings, the authors established that single mothers cited the issue of money, role, and task overload. Further, the single women cited social life and problems to do with ex-spouses as some of the main problems they experience (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). On the other hand, single fathers cited role and task overload and problems to do with the ex-spouses as main problems they face (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). On the other hand, Bianchi (1995) investigates single-parent families in terms of their demographic and socioeconomic aspects as well as how they change over time (Hanson, 1995). According to the author, divorced and unmarried parents constitute the largest sub-groups of single-parent families and conclude that these types of families are largely disadvantaged when compared to two-parent families in aspects of economic status, health and housing conditions (Hanson, 1995). Moreover, the author finds out that children living with never-married mothers are the most disadvantaged group of children in single parent families (Hanson, 1995). Lino (1995) on the other hand establishes economic situation of single-parent families is lower and vulnerable when compared to that of two-parent families (Hanson, 1995). In turn, economic vulnerability of single-parent families is accelerated by the lower likelihood of receiving child support and this in turn affects their overall standard of living and subsequent health (Hanson, 1995). Steinbock (1995) investigate problems experienced by single-parent families in terms of acquiring homes and observes that both federal, state and local policies and laws tend to accelerate single-parent families problems of homelessness, poverty, delinquency, stress and disintegration (Hanson, 1995). Moreover, Walters and Abshire (1995) investigate how single parenthood laws and court decisions have affected the situation of single-parent families (Hanson, 1995). According to the author, some legal decisions tend to have bias against single-parenthood especially when the wider contextual of issues is not established (Hanson, 1995). As a result, child support programs for single-parent families have been modified, terminated, or un-implemented and this has affected the single-parent families (Hanson, 1995). Children in single-parent families/homes The 2009 USA census report indicated that 23% of children in USA are raised in mother-only families (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). The percentage of those raised by unmarried single mothers was even higher. Furthermore, it was established that poverty was the main issue that face children in these families, and it was found to have positive correlation with children’s low academic achievement, conduct disorders and juvenile crimes (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). In research carried out by Richards and Schmiege (1993) single parents numerous problems children in such families experience, which are both psychological, social and economical (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). Majority of participants in the research observed that sometimes, family management skills and experience lack among single parents, which in turn affect the behavior of the children (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). At the same time, the single parents noted the issue of holistic personal growth which majority of children in such families’ lack. More so, children in single families are seen to be innocent victims of negative stereotypes from multiple sources in the community (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). The findings by the authors went further to observe that children in single-parent families are likely to have feelings of loss, emotional disturbances, lack of psychological stability, feelings of insecurity and overall feelings that their lives lack consistency in the wider social lives (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). On overall, these children were identified to have more fears, concerns and a lot of concerns as to why there was only one parent in their lives. In another related study, Crosbie-Burnett and Pulvino (1990) established that children in single-parent families were likely to have less money, have feelings of anger and sadness, always in dilemma especially questions their collegues ask them, and further were likely to be isolated by others (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). On more observation, the author established that children from single-parent families were likely to manifest higher rate of conduct disorder and other adjustments problems although this aspect remains contestable (Thompson and Henderson, 2010). On other hand, Ward and Belanger (2010) observe that children from single-parent families are likely to perform poorly in school when compared to children from two-parent families. Majority of these children drop out of school before they 20s hence many of them have less technical qualifications and few pursue secondary education (Ward and Belanger, 2010). Reinforcing these findings, Amato (2005) and Amber (2006) observe that dropping out of school is associated with other aspects of life and as a result many children from single-parent families who drop out of school are likely to be unemployed (Ward and Belanger, 2010). When they end up as unemployed, these children have to depend on welfare, may engage in social misbehavior, and are likely to have unstable families of their own (Ward and Belanger, 2010). Amato (2005) further establishes that single-parent mothers especially those un-married and are young, possibilities are they are likely to be emotionally supportive to their children, they tend to be harsh and execute harsh discipline to their children, and are largely to execute authoritative parenting style (Ward and Belanger, 2010). On overall, majority of studies indicate that majority of children in single-parent families are more likely to experience problems as compared to those in two-parent families although the level and gravity of the problems may differ greatly. Theoretical perspectives of single-parenthood Achievement, performance and overall success in life experiences and activities of children in single-parent families has been established to be below that of children in two-parent families, although some studies have established that this may not be the case throughout. In order to understand the life problems children in single-parent families undergo, some notable theoretical frameworks have been developed to explain this. The frameworks are discussed below. Family structure model has been developed to explain the single parenthood situation. According to this model, children generally attain the best when they experience and operate within strong family structures which are normally developed when two parents are present (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). When the two parents are present, then it becomes easier for children to learn faster about the structures of authority and relation, which subsequently enable them to establish and interact positively with authority relations structures (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). When one parent is absent, then children in such families become vulnerable to authoritarianism parenting, miss important life lessons, suffer neglect and sometimes abandonment, and the parental involvement and supervision of one parent in their daily life becomes minimal and less qualitative (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). From these, the children in single-parent families are likely to experience multiple life problems, which in turn affect their goal attainment in life. Another developed and useful theory is the household economics model which postulate that, children in two-parent families are likely to maximize their human capital since parental investment in the children’s human capital is great (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). This is unlike in single-parent families whereby the household lack essential economic resources, which limit children from such families making some substantial achievement in life. Economic wellbeing of a family is usually strong when both parents and especially the father are present which in turn propel their children to attain their desired goals more easily. However, when this is absent, then the overall scenario is where single-parent children become victims of failure, hopelessness and hardship experiences (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). The third perspective is the evolutionary model, which establishes that single-parent families in most cases are sidelined and isolated in key socioeconomic benefits. When such happens, children in the families are likely to achieve less, accomplish their activities minimally, and shy away from key social opportunities. In other words, lack of socioeconomic support lead majority of children in these families into disadvantageous socioeconomic positions in life hence affecting their overall personal growth and development (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). Parental fitness model looks at the absence of parental competencies in single-parent families, which in turn affect the quality of life of the children in such families. Single-parent families when compared to two-parent families lack key competencies that are achieved when the two parents are present. As a result, emotional motivation, control, and guidance for the children become a problem since the only present parent is overwhelmed. Children in single-parent families therefore become victims to behavioral problems, are likely to engage in juvenile delinquency and are more prone to be exposed to ‘disturbed’ behaviors (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). Another model is the marital conflict model, which posits that children in single-parent families usually in most cases are victims of their parents’ conflict behaviors. As a result, these children become regularly exposed to these conflicts, which persist even when the parents separate. Due to this, the children become frightened and distressed, which may impact both short and long-term negative effects on self-esteem and education attainment (Yarber and Sharp, 2010). Furthermore, aggression parents direct to each other even after separation has taken place may result children to develop feelings of hostility, fear, stress, anger, and dejection, which in turn may be permanently in the minds and actions of the children. Theoretical Gap The understanding is that single-parent families emerge from multiple reasons and impact multiply on the children in such families. Therefore, adequate and comprehensive understanding of the concept needs to be done in multi-facet approach. In this way, a single but multi-facet theory that captures the socio-economic, psychological, and cultural explanation of single-parent families and associative problems and challenges should be developed. The above highlighted models lack union or interconnectedness, an aspect that portray a fragmented nature and understanding of single-parenthood. It is perceived that through adoption of single multi-facet approach, it will be able and easier to establish clearly the relationship among various aspects associated with single-parent families. Conclusion Through carrying out literature review on children in single-parent families, it has been possible to establish reasons behind the rise of single-parent families. In addition, the problems of single parents have been captured where single mothers are perceived to be the most vulnerable and affected when families separate or divorce. The major problems faced by single parents have been identified to constitute social, economic, and sometimes psychological. On the other hand, it has been established how children in single-parent families unlike their counterparts in two-parent families face myriad of problems. Problems largely constitute those reflecting socio-economic and psychological aspects. Nevertheless, it has also been established that different models explain the problems experienced by children in single-parent families, although their fragmented nature limit conclusive linkage. This therefore calls for development of more appropriate model that captures socio-economic and psychological aspects in a single but multi-facet model. References Dowd, N. E. (1999). In defense of single-parent families. NY: New York University Press. Retrieved November 4, 2011, from http://books.google.com/books?id=SkkU480ttLgC&pg=PA49&dq=theories+of+single-parent+families&hl=en&ei=R1G0ToI5woSFB7jHkYoE&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CEQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=theories%20of%20single-parent%20families&f=false. Hanson, S. M. (1995). Single parent families: diversity, myths, and realities. NY: Routledge. Retrieved November 4, 2011, from http://books.google.com/books?id=oxj98Yb9OtsC&pg=PA1&dq=Single+Parent+Families:+Present+and+Future+Perspectives&hl=en&ei=OfCzTtKOIYaF-waUvdSEBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Single%20Parent%20Families%3A%20Present%20and%20Future%20Perspectives&f=false. Moynihan, D. P & Smeeding, T. M. (2006). The future of the family. NY: Russell Sage Foundation. Retrieved November 4, 2011, from http://books.google.com/books?id=T3eeG7VHn5gC&pg=PA134&dq=Single+Parent+Families:+Present+and+Future+Perspectives&hl=en&ei=HtqzTuGSJsGd-wbsh-2EBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CE0Q6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q&f=false. Thompson, C. L & Henderson, D. A. (2010). Counseling Children. OH: Cengage Learning. Retrieved November 4, 2011, from http://books.google.com/books?id=pnM0t4Ot_DcC&pg=PA674&dq=life+problems+experienced+by+children+in+single-parent+families&hl=en&ei=mzi0TpnmGMWc-wbjs6mFBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CFcQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=life%20problems%20experienced%20by%20children%20in%20single-parent%20families&f=false. Ward, M & Belanger, M. (2010). The family dynamic: A Canadian perspective. OH: Cengage Learning. Retrieved November 4, 2011, from http://books.google.com/books?id=tRUOPeiPRBAC&pg=PT253&dq=problems+children+in+single-parent+families+FACE&hl=en&ei=kkm0ToGXBMXQhAe-wqH2Aw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDoQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=problems%20children%20in%20single-parent%20families%20FACE&f=false. Yarber, A. D & Sharp, P. M. (2010). Focus on single-parent families: past, present, and future. CA: ABC-CLIO. Retrieved November 4, 2011, from http://books.google.com/books?id=7LbVWdCV3J0C&printsec=frontcover&dq=Single+Parent+Families:&hl=en&ei=9POzTo_wJI3z-gbilZWFBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDoQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q&f=false. Read More