Nine-Fold Increase in Single Fathers Over the Past 50 Years in US

The number of singlefathers increased nine-fold in the U.S. over the past 50 years, a latest study revealed.

The study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 2.6 million U.S. households with children were led by an unmarried dad in 2011. Only 297,000, or 1 in 100, were headed by single fathers in 1960.

The researchers analysed the U.S. Census Bureau data. The research also found that about 41 percent of these were living with partners compared to only 16 percent  of single mothers.

They found that the growth rate of single fathers was more than twice that of single mothers.

The researchers examined the social changes that have occurred during the same period giving rise to the  increasing numbers of single fathers. The numbers of divorces have increased and the courts are willing to grant custody to single fathers. Also traditional roles have changed and fathers are expected to play more diverse roles, beyond that of just the breadwinner.

"The role of fathers has evolved, and the public now acknowledges their importance not only as breadwinners, but also as caregivers," the Washington-based research organization said in its report.

It further said that nearly 9 out of 10 U.S. households had both-parent families in 1960. The number came down to 76 per cent in 2011.

The report said that single fathers were more likely to be less educated with lower incomes compared to married dads.

Single-fathers reportedly earn an average household income of $40,000. It is nearly $14,000 more than single mothers. The household income of married fathers is $70,000.

Pew reported that 8 percent of unmarried fathers are poor compared to 43 percent of single mothers.

Fewer unmarried fathers had a bachelor's degree. Around 17 percent of unmarried fathers reported having college degrees. Around 30 percent of fathers with a partner were below the poverty line.