The traditional Indian family structure, once considered inviolable, is undergoing a significant transformation. The institution of single parenthood, long stigmatized and marginalized, is slowly gaining acceptance. As the country grapples with changing social norms and economic realities, the number of single-parent households is on the rise.
Globally, India is not an outlier in this trend. The United States and the United Kingdom have the highest percentages of children living in single-parent households, at 23% and 21%, respectively. In India, approximately 4.9 million households are headed by single parents, accounting for 4.8% of total households. What’s more striking is the disproportionate burden borne by single mothers.
According to global statistics, single mothers account for 84.3% of single-parent households, while single fathers make up 15.7%. In India, around 13 million households (4.5% of all Indian households) are run by single mothers.
There are several reasons that account for this increase. Divorce and separation are becoming more pervasive; for instance, the divorce rate in India rose from 1 in a 1000 in 1990 to 1 in a 100 in 2020 according to the National Crime Records Bureau. Amongst the regions, Kerala has the highest divorce rate at 2.2% while cities like Mumbai and Delhi have also experienced a sharp rise in the numbers of divorces with 40% and an increase of 36% respectively.
Another important reason is that of widowhood, and as per the National Family Health Survey-5, there are 43 million widows in India of which 54% are aged below 60 years. Also, unwed mothers are adding to the figures as well, as there was a rise of 25% from the years between 2005-06 to 2015-16 as reported by the National Family Health Survey-4. In addition, adoption by lone parents saw an increase of 15% from the years between 2016-2020 as given by the Central Adoption Resource Authority.
There is a growing number of single parents across the world but they encounter several problems. About 60% of the single mothers earn less than ₹10,000 per month as cited by Oxfam India. Social exclusion is again one such issue; Save the Children India revealed that approximately 75% of single parents undergo social exclusion. Emotional issues, including anxiety and depression, affect a substantial majority, that is 80%, of the single parents, according to the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine.
To address these challenges, the government has initiated various programs. The National Child Policy (2013) provides childcare subsidies, while the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima-Yojana offers solo parent benefits. Non-governmental organizations, such as the Single Parents Association of India and the Indian Single Mothers’ Forum, also provide support.
However, more needs to be done to support single parents. To address the challenges they face, the government can increase childcare support services, such as childcare centers, particularly in urban areas, to provide affordable and quality care. Companies can implement family-friendly policies, including flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and childcare benefits, to support single parents in the workforce.
Communities can establish counseling services, support groups, and mental health programs to help single parents cope with emotional challenges. Educational institutions can offer vocational training, scholarships, and job placement services to help single parents acquire new skills and secure better-paying jobs. Furthermore, media campaigns, community events, and educational programs can help promote social acceptance and reduce stigma around single parenthood.
By implementing these practical solutions, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for single parents and their children in India. Single parenthood in India is a reality that demands attention. By understanding the reasons, challenges, and support systems, we can work towards creating a more supportive environment for single parents and their children.
