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Study reveals major changes in families worldwide

A recent report has given an insight into family trends in 60 countries across the world, and identified key family factors affecting child and family well-being.

The World Family Map study, by Child Trends, has revealed that in all regions of the world the family itself is undergoing major changes, with increasing proportions of children living with one or no parent, declining fertility and marriage rates, and increasing cohabitation.  It also found that extended families, or families with additional relatives living with them, are common in many regions.

The study found distinct family patterns across regions, but also variation across countries within a region. Some of the main findings include:

  • The number of parents and extended family members in a child’s household influence the human and financial resources available to the child.
  • Children are still most likely to live in two-parent families in all countries, except South Africa;
  • Growing up with a single parent is especially common in sub-Saharan Africa, in Central and South America, and in several English-speaking Western countries; in the U.S., the U.K, New Zealand, and Canada, a fifth or more of children do so. Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe have the world’s lowest rates of single parenthood.
  • Extended families are most commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by Asia and Central/South America.

The World Family Map project also released a special analysis that explores the relationship between union instability –as measured by divorce or dissolution of a cohabiting relationship, widowhood, or repartnership– and children’s health in developing countries.

The findings suggest that union instability compromises parents’ ability to provide the kind of consistent and attentive care that is most likely to foster good health in children. These families may experience increased levels of stress, less focus on the child, a reduction in social support, and a decrease in socioeconomic resources—all factors that may lead to a worsening of children’s health.

Contact our Family Solicitors in Aberdeen

If you need help with a family law matter, including issues involving cohabitation, contact our specialist solicitors on 01224 370 028 or fill in our enquiry form today.

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