On January 15, 2025, the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) released the Tenth Family Report, chaired by ECPD Director Michaela Kreyenfeld. The report focuses on the support of single and separated parents and their children, a key area of research at the ECPD.
The findings reveal that approximately 1.7 million families in Germany are headed by single parents, accounting for 20% of all families with children under 18. Notably, 18% of these single parents are fathers, reflecting a growing trend.
The report highlights significant challenges faced by single and separated parents, particularly concerning economic stability. Despite a high employment rate—72% among single mothers and 79% among single fathers—many single parents have a lower equivalent income compared to parents in couple families. This economic disparity underscores the need for targeted support to enhance their financial independence.
The report’s findings resonate with the ECPD’s mission to address health and social inequalities across diverse family forms, reinforcing the center’s commitment to advancing research and informing policy in these critical areas.
To read the the official press statement by the BMFSFJ (in German language), click this link here.