Living Beyond the Edge: The Impact of Trends in Non-Standard Work on Single/Lone-Parent Mothers

Abstract

This is an empirical study of the impacts the trends in the labour force (the increased use of non-standard, contingent working patterns) have on single mothers/lone parents. The already precarious socio-economic situation of the majority of single mothers is exacerbated by these trends, and the combination of their relatively low educational rates and modest employability skills, coupled with their sole responsibility for care of their children, makes active participation in the labour force an unlikely and often impractical direction to pursue. The study draws on a combination of cross-Canada interviews with 82 single mothers participating in employability-enhancement training, interviews with 49 government respondents and service providers, an intensive labour force analysis and a review of Canadian and international literature. The authors conclude that ongoing adjustment to existing national taxation and child benefit regimes is inadequate for bringing about genuine change for the better for these most vulnerable women and their children. Rather, they call for a substantial re-orientation of national values and an innovative, flexible and integrated system of policies and programs that address the full complexity of the changing labour market and the situation of the women. Only such a comprehensive approach can result in truly effective, long-term change for the better for this important segment of our society.