Families Sept 15

Effects of Single parenthood Children from two-parent families generally do “better” Series of unstable relationships worst for children

Reasons Lower income Parents have less time for children Instability harmful for children, especially young Non-biological parents tend to have less commitment

Possible policies Reduce the economic disadvantages – Subsidized day care – Increase in tax credits for single parents – Laws preventing discrimination Assumption: accept people’s decisions on marriage and childbearing Encourage marriage or discourage divorce – Possible negative effects “Education” or persuasion (see NYT article)