Changing Britain

Major changes have happened in households and people's lives in most countries in the developed world. Marriage rates have fallen, divorce has risen, women are having fewer children and later in life, and one in four families with children is headed by a lone parent. These changes have significance that goes beyond the individual families - with implications for housing demand, social security benefits, labour force participation, health and social services. This volume seeks to provide a comprehensive portrait of British families and households at the end of the 20th century. The book examines more generally the nature of economic and labour market change, Britain's place in Europe, and changing attitudes towards family life. Specifically, the book also deals with issues such as; older people's lives; non-heterosexual families; one-person households; young mothers and single parents; and divorce. The book is aimed at scholars and students of sociology, gender, human geography and demographics, policy advisers and analysts.