Which factor contributes to the increase of single-parent families in North America?

The increase in single-parent families in North America can be largely attributed to the rising divorce rate. As more couples choose to divorce or separate, the number of families headed by a single parent rises correspondingly. This reflects a significant societal shift in attitudes towards marriage and family structure, where divorce is more widely accepted and less stigmatized than in the past. Consequently, when relationships dissolve, children are often raised in single-parent homes, leading to an increase in that family structure.

Other factors such as an increase in births or higher marriage rates do not correlate as directly to the rise in single-parent families. An increase in extended families, while it may provide support, does not necessarily create an environment where single-parent households are becoming more common. Therefore, the relationship between the divorce rate and the structure of family units is a critical factor in understanding the rise of single-parent families.