i doubt many single parent mothers 'dump' the child on their parents (mother) so that they can continue to live their lives in public housing without the hourly-daily responsibility of the child. as one participant in this discussion says, the vast bulk of single parents (mothers) are those who have been in a relationship, frequently de jure marriage) who are deserted.

contrary to the contention (not made by the author but by a contributor to this discussion) that single parent families are the source of crime, disfunction, etc - this is to stigmatise unwarrantedly children coming from one parent homes and one parent homes as a whole. research does not support this notion (indeed, research establishes to the contrary), which is a stereotype based upon something other than the facts, viz prejudice.

many of those in high level positions or who are contributing solidly to the community and the economy generally, are from one parent homes. it would not take much to name many of them - a not insignificant number being men. so many men who have an appreciation of the contribution made by women - particularly women as single parents - are men who have been brought up in such constellations. they recognise the strength and commitment of their mothers to ensuring the family unit (one parent family unit) is a cohesive, well-functioning body frequently supporting innovative and positive thinkers within the ranks.

cont.
the reality of present day society is that the family is constituted by many forms of relationship. if 'the family' is to be supproted then the one parent family must be supported in ways that are positive, constructive and pragmatic, rather than prejudiced, stereotypical and judgmental. if people really care/cared about children, then they would not indulge their prejudices by seeking to stigmatise children born in circumstances where they will or may grow up with one parent only. sadly, some contributors to this discussion appear to come from a perspective which albeit on the one hand professing to be supportive of 'the family' and of children, on the other engage in prejudiced notions that are detrimental to children's wellbeing and do not recognise the realities of the position of marriaged women who are, too often, 'one husband away from welfare' (per betty friedan).

Spot on Jewely