Rising divorce rate 'to contribute to changes in family structures'

The nuclear family structure is becoming less common in the UK, according to the head of the Family and Parenting Institute (FPI).

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Dr Katherine Rake said parenting is no longer only the domain of mothers and fathers, but rather that of the wider family.

She commented: "Because people are having children later and because there is more divorce and separation, what is happening is that people draw on resources from right across the family and their families can be more involved."

The working requirements placed on parents will also contribute changes in childcare arrangements, she added.

There will be no such thing as a "typical family" within the next ten to 20 years, the advisor claimed.

Dr Rake assumed her role at the FPI earlier this year. The organisation was established as a centre of expertise on families and parenting in Britain and it aims to support them in bringing up children.
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01/12/2009 17:20

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