One in four homes in Spain will be single-parent by 2011

Madrid, Spain, Aug 24, 2007 / 08:15 am

The Institute for Family Policy in Spain reported this week that currently one in five homes in the country are single-parent homes and that if the trend continues, by 2011, one in four homes will no longer have a solid family structure.

“The tendencies that show the evolution of homes in Spain reveal serious deficiencies in our future, as they are provoking a society that is more and more individualistic, where social fragmentation is isolating the person and makes the social fabric very fragile,” said Mariano Martinez-Aedo, vice president of the IFP.

“This evolution is a result not only of cultural, economic and social changes but also of a profound abandonment in family and social policy, which is not fulfilling its objectives.  A vigorous social and political reaction is necessary that adopts important and lasting measures that truly support Spanish families to fulfill their role,” Martinez-Aedo said.

The IFP noted this tendency is also the result of an increase in the number of childless couples and single-parent families.  “A decisive commitment to the family is also necessary in the realms of culture and education,” the organization said.  It proposed several steps for reversing this trend and adequately supporting families in Spain, such as the implementation of authentic pro-family policies and increased funds for family assistance.