24.10.2024
The socioeconomic situation of single parents remains extremely difficult. While Bremen's action plan for single parents is a first step in addressing this, it is far from sufficient. This is demonstrated by a recent study from the Institute for Labor and the Economy (iaw), commissioned by the Bremen Chamber of Employees. In the state of Bremen, almost one in four family households is headed by a single parent – most of them mothers.
Despite their high employment rates, many single parents live with their children in precarious circumstances. "Single parents in Bremen are disproportionately affected by poverty and face enormous challenges in their daily lives," warns Peer Rosenthal, Managing Director of the Bremen Chamber of Employees.
Poverty and social disadvantage
The study shows that approximately 55 percent of single parents in Bremen receive social benefits, sometimes in addition to their earned income. Low wages, lack of child support payments, and failure to claim government assistance contribute to income poverty. "The income situation of single parents is often precarious, and the path out of poverty remains difficult despite employment," confirms study author René Böhme from the iaw.
According to the report, many single parents living in poverty are caught in a vicious cycle. The burdens on those affected have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Many single parents reported health problems and severe stress due to the double burden of work and family.
Housing situation and lack of networks
Single parents are particularly hard hit by the housing shortage. They often live concentrated in neighborhoods with far too few childcare options and opportunities to build social networks. This significantly limits their ability to work. "Existing childcare services don't meet the needs of many single parents. Flexible childcare models are needed to better support them," demands Rosenthal. Furthermore, many single parents spend an above-average proportion of their income on rent.
The action plan for single parents is only half a step
The Bremen Chamber of Employees is calling for greater integration of labor market and social policies to improve the situation of single parents. While the Bremen action plan, with its focus on labor market integration, is the right approach, these efforts will be ineffective without accompanying social and health support for single parents.
Comprehensive support is needed
“Many of the measures in Bremen are implemented through time-limited funding projects and a multitude of parallel projects, meaning that the support options are not transparent,” notes study author René Böhme. He also notes a frequent lack of realistic goal definitions.
“In the long term, single parents need better childcare, more flexible working hours, and targeted support through further education and training programs,” emphasizes Rosenthal. The study clearly shows that labor market programs alone are often insufficient to improve the situation of single parents.
Better integration and a holistic strategy are needed
According to the study, the action plan therefore needs to be further developed and strategically integrate job coaching with other topics: from childcare, health support, language courses or support with official procedures to help with finding accommodation.
A look at all areas of life
A comprehensive strategy is needed, one that is designed for the long term, implemented across all relevant departments, and starts early. For example, through preparatory programs for single parents with children under three years old. "Single parents need better support at all levels – from housing and healthcare to education and labor market policies," said Rosenthal.