The article examines the challenges faced by single mothers in France, highlighting that 67% of them work while a significant portion lives in poverty. With 82% of single parents being mothers, they often bear the brunt of childcare responsibilities, resulting in financial struggles. The disparity in homeownership and managerial roles between single mothers and fathers is evident. Journalist Johanna Luyssen’s investigation reveals the systemic obstacles these women encounter, calling for societal recognition and support for their unique burdens.
The life of a single parent often resembles the industriousness of ants rather than the leisurely approach of cicadas. When a heterosexual couple splits, custody and caregiving responsibilities generally fall to the mother. In France, a notable one in four families is headed by a single parent, and of these, 82% are mothers, which equates to about 1.5 million women raising their children alone, according to Insee. These mothers are tasked with managing everything from school runs and household chores to leisure activities and medical appointments.
It’s not surprising then that 67% of single mothers are employed, a stark contrast to the 81% of fathers in similar situations, according to a 2021 Insee study. This discrepancy contributes to a higher risk of poverty among single mothers. In metropolitan France, 39% of single mothers live in poverty, whereas only 28% of single fathers face the same plight. On average, single-parent households earn €13,630 annually, compared to €19,920 for couples with children.
Poverty is not just a potential issue; it is an everyday reality for many single mothers. In 2018, 45% of children living with their mothers were below the poverty line, compared to only 22% of those living with their fathers, a figure that aligns with the national average.
Financial Struggles of Single Mothers
A mere 25% of single mothers own their homes, in stark contrast to nearly 50% of single fathers. Among families with two parents, homeownership rates soar to 70%. Most single mothers, about 45%, are social housing tenants, significantly higher than the 27% of single fathers and 17% among couples. This data, collected by Insee, highlights the financial vulnerability faced by these families.
Single mothers predominantly reside in urban settings, with 66% living in cities with populations over 50,000, while only 12% are found in rural areas. In comparison, 20% of single fathers live in the countryside. Notably, a third of single-parent families are below the poverty line, defined as €1,220 for one adult with one child, contrasting with less than 15% of the general population.
The Challenges of Employment and Equal Opportunity
In her investigative book, Mères solos, le combat invisible, journalist Johanna Luyssen reveals an alarming trend: 97% of alimony payments are made by fathers and are tax-deductible, which she critiques, pointing out the absurdity of comparing child-related expenses to charitable donations. In 2019, nearly 40% of child support payments were not made, a situation the public collection agency aspires to reduce to 21% by 2027. Moreover, the professional landscape poses additional hurdles, with only 10% of single mothers in management roles, compared to 18% of single fathers.
These statistics reveal an often ignored struggle faced by single mothers in France, who handle daily responsibilities alone while contending with numerous economic and social challenges. Approximately 45% of these women possess no qualifications beyond the baccalauréat, which limits their access to better job opportunities. Nathalie Bourrus, author of Maman solo: les oubliées de la République, describes what she terms the “mother ceiling”, a barrier exacerbated by logistical difficulties and financial constraints that prevent professional advancement.
In light of these challenges, there is a growing call for society to provide more support for single mothers. As the number of single-parent families continues to rise, an important question emerges: is society prepared to acknowledge and assist these women in managing their diverse responsibilities?