One major cause is the rising divorce rate. As attitudes toward marriage have become more flexible, people are less likely to stay in unhappy or unhealthy relationships, especially when conflicts are ongoing. Another important factor is the increased financial and social independence of women. With greater access to education and employment, many women are more able to raise children on their own and may choose to do so rather than remain in unsatisfactory partnerships. In addition, changing social norms mean that having children outside of marriage is now more widely accepted, which also contributes to the growth of single-parent households.