The first part of the book considers the context surrounding lone parenthood. After providing a profile of lone parent families today, the section takes a broader historical look at lone parenthood. Various theoretical perspecives are tackled before part 1 ends with a chapter devoted to investigating the role of the state in this field. Part 2 of the book considers particular areas of social policy, including poverty, work and employment, care and welfare of children, non-resident partners, health, housing and hardship.