SOCIAL NETWORKS OF SINGLE MOTHERS

In German research social support is an underestimated dimension of he alth, wellbeing and coping with crisis in single parent families. Foll owing a review of international research on structural and functional characteristics of single parents' networks, the authors present preli minary data of a qualitative study focused on the support relationship s of single mothers and their children. The often neglected role of ch ildren as sources of support for their parents is discussed.