C/S/54. How are family structures likely to change in the future?

This paper looks at how family structure has changed over the past four decades and how it is likely to change in the future. Existing trends in the number of marriages, lone parents and stepfamilies are described and predictions for future trends are made. In addition this paper also considers the growing number of same-sex couples with dependent children and how this may affect family structure in the future. All figures given in this report are taken from reliable sources and references are given.