Family life in Britain has undergone a dramatic transformation within a relatively short space of time. The traditional nuclear family with a Mum, Dad and 2.4 children, once the status quo, has given way to new family models. Lifecake, a digital platform which allows users to share family photographs and videos, conducted a survey amongst 2,000 members of the public to find out how family life has changed in the past decade and how these new family types are perceived by the British public.
LGBT parenting
In 2006 there were 90 adoptions by single-sex parents in England. By 2016 this number had increased to 450, and LGBT parents now account for 9.6% of all adoptions in the UK. As the numbers of adoptions by LGBT couples increases, so too has support for the community, with 82% of young people believing that today’s society is more inclusive. The UK was voted the best country for LGBT parents to live in, with diversity-friendly London and Brighton coming out on top of the best cities in the UK.
Gender-neutral parenting
With retailers such as John Lewis, Zara and Topshop introducing gender-non-specific clothing lines and singer Paloma Faith announcing that she plans on raising her baby as gender-neutral, the subject has been a hot topic in the news recently. But many people are unsure of what exactly this entails. At its most basic definition, gender-neutral parenting involves moving away from the stereotypes associated with the male/female binary. 42% of young people deemed gender-neutral parenting to be important but almost a third of male participants dismiss it as a fad, reflecting its divisive nature.
Stay-at-home dads
It’s becoming increasingly common for men to assume the role of primary carer, with the number of stay-at-home dads quadrupling in the last twenty-five years. Lifecake asked the British public about their feelings towards men who stay at home to look after their children. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with 77% asserting that they are progressive in helping their partner’s professional progression.
Working parents
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging, even without adding children to the equation, so it’s no surprise that working parents are feeling under pressure. The rising cost of living, coupled with wage stagnation means that finding affordable childcare is a key concern for 60% of respondents. On a positive note, employers are perceived as being more supportive of parents in the workplace, according to 67% of those surveyed. When asked what employers can do to improve conditions for working parents, most respondents believe they should provide greater flexibility in working hours, offer the choice to work from home and provide on-site creche facilities.
Lifecake’s survey demonstrates that the UK population is, on the whole, embracing changes to family life. Co-founder, Ed Botterill, says of the results: “Our study shows how social attitudes have evolved to reflect new these new family types”.
