In today s society, women - having entered the workplace in growing numbers worldwide - are increasingly expected to earn wages whilst still being primarily responsible for raising children. While all parents confront the tensions of this double burden, for lone mothers, the situation can be especially acute as there is no other adult to share responsibilities and no access to a male wage.

The revealing essays in this volume address a range of the dilemmas lone mothers routinely face, whilst also distinguishing important situational differences, and considering other social...

Women have entered the workforce in greater numbers worldwide. They are increasingly expected to earn wages, but are still primarily responsible for raising children. While all parents confront the tensions of this double burden, the situation is especially complex and acute for the lone mother, simply because she has no other adult who shares responsibilities, and no access to a male wage. Without strong family networks, decent part-time employment opportunities, extensive and high quality care for children of all ages, or government income support, lone mothers are much more likely to live...