American Social Scientist who inspired the 'Back to Basics' campaign argues that 'unmarried mothers are a destructive social phenomenon which could lead to explosive political upheaval in Britain, the only solution being to get rid of their benefits', the Guardian 17 September 1995.
             This problematizing of young mother's and the need to manage and control, what is often considered irresponsible behaviour, often influences policies which seek to restrict housing, benefit and child care in order to 'stem the tide'. The result is often financial hardship, poor housing and limited educational opportunities for young parents. Young people living in single parent families are more likely to have grown up experiencing financial hardship. They also appear to reach significant life stages earlier than their middle class peers i.e. finish their education, move away from the family home and start a family.
             Given that women head the majority of single parent families, it is important to be aware that male role models may be absent or fleeting in some young peoples lives.
             Worker's are likely to encounter yo
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