Social characteristics of a sample of solo mothers

In 1978 a sample of 158 solo mothers was interviewed by third year psychology students under the supervision of the author to obtain data both on their child rearing practices (for comparison with data obtained the year before from a sample of dual parents) and on their social circumstances. These data indicate that in the case of women who had previously been married, most aspects of their life, with the exception of finance, are now improved. Freedom from conflict and greater independence are cited as the advantages of being a solo parent; loneliness and responsibility are the major disadvantages. Parents and friends are the chief sources of support.

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