In Europe, the percentage of lone-parent families has risen from 14% to 19% between 1996 and 2012. Only in Greece and Finland did the rates fall, while in Denmark and the Republic of Ireland the rise has reached or exceeded 10 percent. As of 2017, there are 2.9 million lone parents with dependent children in the UK, and nine out of ten lone parents are women. Sadly, lone parents are known to experience considerable social, financial, and health problems.


Fertility, Health and Lone Parenting examines the way in which lone parents live their lives, and how it impacts their health and well-being. Topics explored in these interdisciplinary contributions include lifestyle, nutrition, and the mental health of both parents and children. Unique empirical case studies within a European context help to expand the reader’s understanding, whilst also drawing comparisons between the impacts of lone parenting on young mothers, fathers and their children.


A timely volume, this book will appeal to undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in subjects such as Sociology of the Family, Social Policy, Social Work, Gender Studies and Family Policy.