Family: Single Parent

Households
Karen Ramos
 History
A family is usually expected to have two parents and a preferable
number of kids. In the 1700s, a normal American family
structure was relatively egalitarian where the parents worked and
the kids worked subtly to maintain the production on their farms.
Eventually, during the Industrial Revolution, families steered to a
new direction where the parents would work away from home and
kid labor became regulated. During the 1930s, the Great
Depression occurred, resulting in the baby-boom generation.
Where family size increased significantly but resulted in absent-
parent families. However, it has become a very common
occurrence for there to be a single parent in the Western World as
of today. From the 1980s to 2008, there has been a large
significant growth within this institution. This institution is
generally populated by women who take on the role of being a
single parent than men.
 Types of Families
Two Parents
When there are two individuals who are able to partake
in the responsibility for a family
A shared amount amount of contribution to the family

Single Parent
When there is only one individual who partakes in both
roles to provide for a family
A larger amount of contribution to the family
Impact on Single Parents
As of today, there is a larger population of single household parents that partake in
Western societies. There are many disadvantages that can take a toll on a single
parent.
Socioeconomic status
Finances can make it difficult to provide for a whole family in terms of providing
shelter, food, and clothing. Based off of an individuals socioeconomic status, it can
alter their cultural capital.

Education
It can make it difficult for them to have the focus they need in order to obtain a
higher education, especially for young mothers. Some may not even be qualified to
receive financial aid. This can lead to negative mental health such as depression.
Overall, they may develop a low self-efficacy to finish off their education.

Jobs
It can be quite difficult to find a job for certain parents because there is a lack of
supervision that can be provided for there children. This can limit what type of jobs
they are able to obtain. Also, the type job they receive can constrain how much of
their expenses can be spent.
 Impact on Children
Emotionally
They may face mental problems dealing with depression.
Along with other behaviors such various amounts of anger,
low self-esteem, frustration, anxiousness, and much more.
This can result to a child feeling some sort of loneliness,
abandonment, and resentment due to economic pressures.

Physically
This can impact their health status in terms of diabetes or
obesity. Many families who are struggling from financial
troubles do not always have a sufficient amount of money to
buy products that are nutritious and healthy for their kids. A
majority of food options that are affordable are mostly fast
food places with a value menu and so, this can be detrimental
to their health if it is very recurring.
 Interpretation of Single
Parents
Society
When it comes to parenting, there is a stigma that carries
along the role of being a single parent. A majority of single
mothers or fathers do not have a reliable source of income
and so, they have to rely in other ways to obtain some sort
of help. Many programs such as welfare, food stamps, or
Medicaid are generalized as shameful by society because
they assume that most individuals who participate in these
programs do not want to work. Especially if the parent is
young, they are referred as irresponsible.
 Interpretation of Single
Parents
Individual (Single Parent)
Some may be depressed and have a low-self efficacy to go
on with their daily life such as continuing to go to school
or work. However, this does not generally apply to
everyone. Most mothers perceive themselves as strong
individuals who are partaking in a huge responsibility by
caring for a family alone. Overall, it is a doable role to take
part in if they have the care and support they from others
to help them persevere. It is not the easiest role to do in
society but it is achievable. Everyones interpretation of
being a single parent differentiates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl60dVzjPk8
 Methods to Help
Accommodate Single Parents
Financial:
Single parents can obtain some sort of aid
through the use of food stamps, Medicaid, and
welfare programs.

There are job training programs to help built

their resume, learn how to talk during an
interview, and help you find occupations that
are hiring.

Support:
Self-efficacy to motivate ones self.

Family, friends, or peers to help enhance quality

of life.
By incorporating others into their life, this
brings some relief and less stress for the
parent to have to care for their kids by
having other individuals spare their time to
watch them.
 Functionalist Theory
Definition: A sociological approach that emphasizes the way in
which the parts of a society are structured to maintain its
stability

As for this sociological approach, it would be seen that this

institution uses a particular structure to help keep everything
maintained. Parents are generally known to provide the tools,
knowledge, shelter, and support to their children. As for a
single parent, these characteristics are still going to be provided
regardless. Although, parents are the ones with more control.
Kids are considered to be at a lower level because they are
learning through their parent's guidance and help. Overall, with
the support and help from other individuals, this will help
single families overcome many obstacles in the long run.
 Conflict Theory
Definition: A sociological approach that assumes social
behavior is best understood in terms of tension between
groups over power or the allocation of resources including
housing, money, access to services, and political representation.

As for this sociological approach, there is a lot of tension when

it comes to obtaining certain resources for a single parent.
There is generally a difficulty in obtaining a suitable home,
money, or access to services like good health care. Along with
being a single mother, there are times where they can be
untreated fairly and alienated due to their social status.
 Conclusion
A family is a considered as one unit with generally two
adults and their children. However, there are many cases
where a parent has to taken on both roles to take care of
their family. Some may refer a single parent negatively as
irresponsible or unfit to be a parent but this is definitely
not true. Many mothers are striving and doing the best
that they can to provide unconditional love and support
for their kids. Yet, they hardly get recognized for what
they do. Overall, the role of being a single parent is
doable but misinterpreted.
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