In Italy, in 2015-2016, there were 1 million 34 thousand lone parents with at least one minor child, 15.8% of the families with minor children. The percentage is on the rise: in 1983 the lone parents with at least one minor child were 468 thousand (5.5% of the total).<\/p>\n
In 2015-2016 lone mothers with at least one minor child were 893 thousand and represented 86.4% of lone parents with minor children (they were 402 thousand in 1983). The number of lone fathers was much lower: 141 thousand in 2015-2016 and 66 thousand in 1983.<\/p>\n
52.9% of lone mothers with at least one minor child had one child, 38.2% two and 8.9% three or more. For one third of lone mothers the youngest child was 5 years old or younger, for 42.7% of lone mothers the youngest child was aged between 6 and 13 years.<\/p>\n
In 2015-2016 1 million and 215 thousand children aged 0-17 years lived with their lone mother, they were 12.1% of total minors. In 1995-1996 they were 5.3% (558 thousand children).<\/p>\n
Between 1995-1996 and 2016 the percentage of lone mothers until 34 years with at least one minor child decreased from 31.5% to 20.3%, this is due to the progressive growth of the age at childbirth. Lone mothers aged 45-54 increased from 20.9% to 31.8%. The highest proportion was still among lone mothers aged 35-44 (45.3%).<\/p>\n
57.6% of lone mothers with at least one minor child were separated or divorced, 34.6% were unmarried, 7.9% widow. Since 1995-1996, unmarried mothers have increased from 18.9% to 34.6% and widow mothers have decreased from 22% to 7.9%.<\/p>\n
In 2016 63.8% of lone mothers worked, 24.4% were inactive, 11.8% were unemployed. Compared to 2006, the share of employees suffered a significant reduction due to the crisis (it was 71.2%).<\/p>\n
The economic condition of lone mothers with at least one minor child was critical: 11.8% of lone mothers were in absolute poverty, 42.1% of lone mothers were at risk of poverty or social exclusion (58% in the South and Islands).<\/p>\n
More than half of lone mothers could not sustain an unforeseen expenditure of 800 euros or a week’s holiday. Almost 20% was late in paying bills, rent and mortgage, and could not adequately heat the house.<\/p>\n
Lone mothers with at least one minor child worked away from home more hours than mothers in a couple (47 minutes more per day) and they spent less time for family work (37 minutes less). They had a similar amount of free time as mothers in a couple (2 hours and 44 minutes a day).<\/p>\n
88.5% of lone mothers were satisfied with their health condition, 84.5% with family relationships, 83.5% with friends, 54.6% with leisure time, 35% with economic conditions. Satisfaction levels were always lower than those of mothers in a couple for all dimensions of life and in particular for economic conditions.<\/p>\n
In comparison to lone mothers, lone fathers with at least one minor child had fewer and older children. 186 thousand children 0-17 year old lived with their lone fathers, they were 87 thousand in 1995-1996.<\/p>\n
44.9% of lone fathers were 45-54 years compared to 31.8% of lone mothers. Just over half had an upper secondary diploma or a degree, 77.1% were employed.<\/p>\n
53.4% of lone fathers were separated or divorced, 29.3% were unmarried. The share of widowers was more than double than that of lone mothers.<\/p>\n
For Informations<\/strong><\/p>\n Mira Savioli
\nTel: +39 06 4673 4841
\nEmail: savioli@istat.it<\/a><\/p>\n