The Impact of Single Parenting Affecting Child Outcome

by ammad1994gmailcom (student)

University Degree Social studies

THE IMPACT OF SINGLE PARENTING AFFECTING CHILD OUTCOME

SOSC 1800 Research Essay

Ammad Mustafa

York University

Abstract

This paper outlines the times of turmoil and troubles faced by single parents, and how it translates toward the child. Past research suggests that children raised in single parent families as opposed to two parent families often experience developmental problems and barriers, because of their social institutions and constructs. Children are left to fend for themselves many times academically and emotionally due to all the negative impacts that upholds single parenthood. The financial and various emotional problems single parents face, often translates later in life through their children. It is proven that single parent children, and children of two parent families, are not on a leveled plaid field. Children of single parents are at an economic disadvantage, as well as an academic disadvantage. The media needs to stop implementing negative and discriminative ideas towards single parents, and help implement positive ideas towards lone parent households. The government needs to provide more social assistance towards single parent households, to help them maintain their financial and emotional stability. Society as a whole needs to come together and help with a solution politically, and economically, so that ultimately single parent children can have a bright future.

A child’s outcome is often the cause of the type of family structure they live in. A traditional nuclear family is the modern day idea of children living in the household of both parents, (Albanese, 2009, Ch. 4) these children usually lead to more positive outcomes. Whereas, children living in single-parent households often lead to more negative outcomes due to many barriers they experience in their social institutions, and social constructs. Clearly, this is not always the case, but children of single parent households are at more of a disadvantage economically, emotionally, and often academically.

Children in single-parent households often experience social barriers due to their social institutions and social structures. Social institutions are structures and systems put in place that express a need in society, for example churches, schools, law, etc (Ramsaran, Lecture, 2012). Social structure is defined as: recurring patterns of behavior and interaction; these are constraining, pervasive, enduring, largely invisible, and yet, render social life predictable, orderly and familiar (Albanese, 2009). Single parents are often working prolonged periods of hours due to lack of financial income which leads to an imbalance in financial and child obligations. Children in single-parent households are more likely than those living in nuclear families, to be involved in delinquent activities (Moore, 2012). The higher rate of delinquency in single-parent households is usually due to the parent working in one or more jobs, leading to the lack of supervision. With less supervision, adolescents have more opportunity to engage in delinquent behavior such as alcohol and drug consumption, violence, and even early sexual behavior is linked to single-parent upbringing (Sigle-Rushton and McLanahan, 2002). Research shows children living in father-less households are much more at risk for delinquency and youth incarceration, than those living in two-parent families (Moore, 2012). The quality of parenting is the best predictor of children’s cognitive and social well-being. Many single parents have a harder time functioning as effective parents. Single parents are usually less emotionally supportive, implement harsher discipline, experience more conflicts with their children, and less supervision, as opposed to children in two-parent households (Amato, 2005). Maternal deprivation occurs when children are separated from their mother’s for prolonged periods (Albanese, 2009, Ch. 4), single mothers may have to work one or more jobs to provide for their family, children may sometimes be left in the care of another which can lead to irreparable damage.

This is a preview of the whole essay

Research shows that children in Nuclear families tend to have higher averages in schools than those living in single-parent households (Fagan, and Johnson 2008). This shows that nuclear families with higher socio-economic status have a higher chance of success than their counterparts. High and low socio-economic status is determined by a variety of variables, such as education, income, job, place of residence, and occupation (). Due to the lack of financial income in single-parent households children have less access to educational materials, and also the lack of parental guidance and help. This shows that children at the point of entry into schools there is not a leveled plain field, higher class children especially those in two-parent families have a better formula for success then lower class children in single-parent households. Children living in single-parent households often experience less affection and attention, because of the single parent working most of the time. Lack of attention and affection, usually leads to more delinquency in schools, and more outbursts of anger. Children in single-parent households are more at risk to receive lower levels of educational achievement and twice as likely to drop out of school then those of two-parent families (Patricia, 2000). Studies also show that children of single-parent households are more than likely to get divorced in adulthood (Patricia, 2000). Cognitive and social problems accompanying single-parent households, show that children not only experience cognitive and emotional issues in their youthful years, but ultimately throughout there lifelong years through socialization; which is a lifelong learning process (Albanese, 2009).

Research shows that children living in single-parent families are more likely to be victims of child abuse (Ditson & Shay 1984; Webb 1991). Child abuse is the physical, emotional, or sexual maltreatment of a child (Albanese, 2009). There are many factors that contribute to child abuse. Single parents are more likely to be living in poverty with risk factors, resulting in depression, stress, substance abuse, and social isolation, all of these cognitive and environmental factors is thought to be a strong indicator for child abuse, and neglect (Goldman, Salus, Wolcott and, Kennedy, 2003). Environment often plays a huge role in child maltreatment, such as living in violent communities which is a risk factor of being a single parent. Child neglect is more likely to occur in single-parent households due to the lack of another parent. Often, child neglect can lead to cognitive and emotional issues throughout childhood all the way through adulthood, affecting their socialization, often irreparable. Clearly, a strong correlation is present between family structure, income, and the well-being of a child.

Many children living in single-parent households are at an economic disadvantage. Many children in single-parent households can’t afford cellphones, the newest clothes, shoes, and other goods that give these children status among their classmates, and peers (Amato, 2005). Many children in single parent households have it harder socializing with their peers, due to embarrassment they find it hard to fit in, because they’re not with the latest trend. Single-mothers have it much harder than single fathers due to the labor market, and balancing their child caring responsibilities. Many single-parents work Mcjobs, which is low-wage work, with little or no benefits (Albanese, 2009). In turn, single-parent families can’t afford computers, and other resources that would make it easier for a child to succeed in school (Amato, 2005). The low-income made in single parent households means children usually live in bad neighborhoods with high crime rates, low quality schools with a lack of social institutions like community services. Research shows with a lack of economic resources the well-being of children in single parent households is often questionable, as compared to children in two parent households (Ramsaran, Lecture, 2012). Studies show that fathers who pay child support do better in school, and show less behavioral issues, as compared to single-parent children whereas the income is facilitated only from one parent (Amato, 2005). It may also be sometimes difficult to pay for food which is why children of single parent families are presumably not as healthy as high class children of two parent families. Single parent families sometimes find it harder to meet the children’s vital necessities, especially if there are more than one children living in the household.

Studies show that there is a strong correlation between low wage, and child health (Case, Lubotsky, and Paxson 2002). Children of single parent households usually have a lower socioeconomic status, due to a variety of reasons. Research suggests that children of low wage families of live a less healthy and shorter life, as opposed to their counterparts (Ramsaran, Lecture, 2012). Presumably because, low wage single parent households cannot afford the best medical care out there. Lower socioeconomic children are more likely than their counterparts to be uninsured medically, and face financial barriers (Montgomery, Kiely, and Pappas 1996). Over 80% of single-parent households are run by mothers (). Immigrant single parents have more of a risk of lower socioeconomic status. Many employers refuse to recognize credentials and education from outside of Canada, so immigrant single parents lack the skills needed to get high paying jobs, and they are stuck with low paying Mcjobs. Language barriers are also a concern for immigrant families, as it is much harder for them to ensure a job in the labour market (Ramsaran, Lecture, 2012).

Single mothers are worse off than single fathers, they spend more time doing unpaid work such as house work, childcare, meal preparation, which leaves less time for paid work. Many single-parents working in Mcjobs, not only put themselves at risk in the future but, also their children. With the low wage and low benefits offered in the labour market, single parents lack the vital insurances needed. Single parents need insurances like life insurance, disability insurance and, health insurance along with a will or estate plan (Montgomery, and colleagues 1996). Without a valid plan, many children of single parents in the future cannot afford future educational needs, child care, home and healthcare.

Single parents especially single mothers are often looked down upon, because of the media. A single mother became a single mother because of a variety of reasons. The media often implements the idea that single parents should be vilified, due to a mistake they may have or may not have made (Ramos, 2012). 16.3 percent of families reside in Canada, 80% being single mothers (). The media often portrays single parents, as being minorities, poor, and leeches on welfare. Where in reality they misrepresent most single parent families which happen to be white, suburban, and headed by working parents (Burch, 2012). The media implements these discriminative ideas that many minority single parents are lazy individuals, who use social assistance programs as much as they can, when in turn they are hardworking individuals, struggling to keep a jobs due to a variety of social institutions and constructs. This in turn affects the labor market, where many minorities cannot get jobs due to discrimination implemented by the media. They ignore the fact that their children are ultimately the ones suffering academically and socially, due to the false ideas the media implements.

On the other hand, the media implements the idea as if single fathers should be praised. Society tends to look at fatherhood as voluntary; we describe a good father as being a good provider. If a father is emotionally and personally involved he is looked at as a hero. Whereas, as motherhood is not seen as voluntary (Violet, 2009). The government needs to implement more support programs towards single parents, to help provide financial and emotional stability (Ramos, 2012). The media needs to stop scapegoating single parents, and focus more on how society can help them. Ultimately, society ignores the fact that children of single parent households are the ones having to go through hardship throughout their lives.

In Canada there is no relative measure of poverty. Poverty can be defined in two terms relative poverty where a person is noticeably worse off than other members of his/her community, and absolute poverty where an individual is extremely poor that he/she cannot afford the basic necessities in life (Canadian Woman’s Foundation). With no relative measure of poverty (Ramsaran, Lecture, 2012), there is a lack of government assistance towards single-parent families. Single mothers have the highest rate of poverty of any group in Canada (Brodsky, Buckley, Day and, Young). One way Canada measures income is the low-income cut off (LICO); are income thresholds below which a family will likely devote a larger share of its income on the necessities of food, shelter and clothing than the average family (Albanese, 2009). Another way Canada measures income is the low-income measure (LIM); is defined as 50 percent of the media income, which is calculated by family size but not differentiated by community size (Albanese, 2009). Social assistance is a vital necessity for many single-parents, especially single mothers. Social assistance programs such as welfare, is a certain amount of money given by the government towards unemployed families. Welfare is vital for unemployed single parent families with children, especially towards single mothers. The downside is people that live on welfare, are living in poverty (Canadian Women’s Foundation). The government needs to lessen the wage gap between women and men. Women who work full time earn 71 cents for every dollar men earn (Canadian Women’s Foundation). Single parents have to work less hours so that they can manage child caring responsibilities, often daycare is not an option because it is not affordable. Society tends to ignore the importance of a universal child care program (Ramsaran, Lecture, 2012). The government needs to implement a universal child care program, so that single parents can be more stable financially. With a child care program more single parents will be able to work longer hours, in turn more of them will be above the poverty line. More social programs towards single parents will benefit parents, but ultimately it will help children perform better academically and live a healthier life.

Clearly, there are strong correlations between the negative impact of single parenting towards children, and the various barriers they face, because of their respective social institutions and constructs. The false advertisements of the media need to stop pointing fingers towards single parents and giving us false discriminative ideas of what single parent families look like. There needs to be more awareness to educate the proven negative effects that come with single parenting, and how it ultimately translates toward the child. Children in lone parent households need to stop suffering from the mistakes of their parents. Our society needs to recognize the realities of single parenthood, and help come up with solutions that will benefit not only them, but society as a whole. Ultimately, children of single parent families are the ones being judged and suffering lifelong effects over something they have no control over. It’s time to stop scapegoating single parents and focus on the negative it upholds toward the child’s present, and future.

REFERENCES

Albanese, P. (2009). Children in Canada Today. Ch 4. Don Mills, Ont.: Oxford University Press

Amato, P, R. (2005). The Impact of Family Formation Change on the Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Well-Being of the Next Generation

Brodsky, G., Buckley, M., Day, S., Young, M. Human Right Denied: Single Mothers on Social Assistance in Canada

Burch, J. (2012). Single Parents, Race and Stereotypes

Canadian Women’s Foundation.

Case, A,. Lubotsky, D,. and Paxson, C. (2002). “Economic Status and Health in Childhood: The Origins of the Gradient.” American Economic Review.

Ditson J., & Shay S (1984). Use of A Home-Based Microcomputer To Analyse. Community Data From Reported Cases On Child Abuse and Neglect

Fagan, and Johnson (2008). Briefing Report: The Failure of the Single Parent Family

Goldman, J., Salus, M. K., Wolcott, D., Kennedy, K. Y. (2003). Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children's Bureau

Montgomery LE, Kiely JL, Pappas G. (1996) The Effects of Poverty, Race, and Family Structure on U.S. Children's Health: Data from the NHIS, 1978 through 1980 and 1989 through 1991. American Journal of Public Health.

Moore, A. (2012). Single Parent Family Social Problems

Patricia, K. (2000) The Single Mother's Survival Guide. Freedom, CA: Crossing Press

Ramos, E. (2012). Opinion: Stop the witch-hunt against single parents!

Ramsaran, P. (2012). SOSC 1800 Lecture. Toronto, Ont: York University

Selected Statistics on Canadian Families and Family Law: Second Edition. ()

Sigle-Rushton,. McLanahan (2002). Father Absence and Child Well-being: A Critical Review

Violet. (2009). Yahoo. Why do people look down on single mothers but praise single dads? I'm sure it's much harder being single moms?