Single Parent Families

The divorce and separation rate, the rate of cohabitation, and the percentage of children born outside marriage are lower in Italy than in the rest of the European Union.  Italian couples must legally separate for 3 years before they can divorce (except in very rare cases) and separation does not always end in divorce.  Many divorces are financially disastrous for women, so many couples chose to remain separated. 

Custody laws are fairly recent, but in over 90% of cases custody is awarded to the mother.  Single mothers have learned to use the public services provided to the best of their ability, though they still face many struggles.  Their children are given priority for after school care, though this still doesn’t cover an entire workday.  They are forced to take low end jobs in order to have the flexibility required to care for their children.  Public housing is typically an option, particularly in larger cities where more social programs are in place.

                                                                                                   Image Courtesy of Flickr

References:

Ronfani, Paola. 2001. "Children, Law and Social Policy in Italy." International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family 15(2):276-289.

Top Corner Image Courtesy of Benjamin and Flickr