One-parent families in Slovenia: risks and opportunities in the field of tension between social policy, social norms and professional practices

TITLE: One-parent families in Slovenia: risks and opportunities in the field of tension between social policy, social norms and professional practices

PROJECT CODE: V5-2334

PROJECT MANAGER: doc. dr. Ana Sobočan

COORDINATOR: 591 - University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Work

PROJECT PARTNERS:

• 583 - University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Law

DURATION OF THE PROJECT: 1. 10. 2023 - 30. 9. 2025

SCOPE OF FUNDING: EUR 80,000 in price category A, for a period of 2 years

PROJECT TEAM COMPOSITION:

591 - University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Work:

• 29374 - dr. Ana Marija Sobočan
• 00317 - dr. Darja Zaviršek 
• 52450 - dr. Sara Pistotnik 

583 - University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Law:

• 38140 – dr. Luka Mišič
• 55041 - Ana Samobor

FINANCERS:

The research project stems from the observation that single-parent families are a diverse and common phenomenon in the landscape of family realities; however, they share the commonality that they are families where children are predominantly or entirely cared for by one parent. International research shows that single-parent families are at greater risk of social exclusion, experience higher levels of poverty, have more limited access to various resources, and receive less social support compared to two-parent households. A review of the scientific literature reveals multiple dimensions of social exclusion faced by single-parent households, including poverty, limited employment opportunities, housing insecurity, limited social support, educational challenges, and health disparities.

These findings underscore the necessity of targeted approaches to address the distinct needs and challenges of single-parent households, including policy measures that address and mitigate economic inequalities, provide access to affordable housing and childcare, enhance social support networks, and reduce stigma and discrimination. Researching and addressing the social exclusion faced by single-parent families is essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive environment for all families, and in particular for ensuring more equal status and opportunities for children whose families experience discrimination and deprivation.

Addressing these issues, challenges, and problems requires a comprehensive approach that includes improved and tailored financial assistance, affordable and accessible childcare, social support networks, reducing stigma and discrimination, individualized support, and simplified administrative procedures. We can conclude that single-parent families, due to their vulnerability, require special attention in terms of social policies. The issue of single-parent families is a question of gender relations, the relationship between the roles of parent and employee, and the relationship between the individual/family and the state (in terms of social policies). By recognizing the unique challenges faced by single-parent families—the parents and children who comprise them—and implementing targeted policies and support programs, we can strive to alleviate some of the burdens and risks and contribute to the betterment and inclusion of single-parent families.

In the research project "Single-parent families in Slovenia: risks and opportunities at the intersection of social policies, social norms, and professional practices," researchers have set the following goals: to provide an overview of relevant professional and scientific literature and good practices at home and abroad; to prepare an overview of the situation of single-parent families in relation to treatment; to identify possible inconsistencies and shortcomings that arise at the intersection of social policies, legislation, and the everyday life of single-parent families; evaluate measures and practices from the perspective of children's rights and needs and reveal the complexity of deprivation and exclusion; identify risks of poverty and violence; present contemporary ideological, political, media, and social narratives and discourses related to parenthood and gender; to explore the level of discretion required in providing support and assistance; and to propose legislative and other measures that adequately respond to the contemporary needs of children (including young adults who are not economically and otherwise independent) and different types of families, and contribute to the implementation of their rights.

• In the first phase of the project, we will investigate the situation regarding single-parent families (international research and social policies, analysis of discourses in Slovenia, and analysis of legislation in Slovenia), with five results representing five milestones in the course of the research.
• In the second phase of the project, we will use qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate the situation and needs of single-parent families in Slovenia.
• In the final phase of the project, we will evaluate the data and findings and develop proposals for changes, particularly in the legislative field.