Warm Fathers and Competent Mothers? Stereotypes and Attitudes Towards Single Parents in Hungary

Herke, Boglárka (2026) Warm Fathers and Competent Mothers? Stereotypes and Attitudes Towards Single Parents in Hungary. SOCIAL INCLUSION, 14. No. 10919. ISSN 2183-2803

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Abstract

Public attitudes and stereotypes significantly influence how mothers and fathers share parental responsibilities and who is considered the custodial parent after family separation. This study examines the differences between social perceptions of single mothers and fathers in post‐socialist Hungary during the 2010s–2020s, a period marked by conservative governments reinforcing traditional gender roles. Using the stereotype content model and the concept of involved fatherhood as theoretical frameworks, the study presents three separate investigations from surveys conducted on representative and quota samples. The first examines general perceptions of single mothers (N = 416) and fathers (N = 407) through open‐ended questions. The second assesses the perceived competence in solo parenting and its determinants using representative survey data (N = 1027). The third investigates perceptions of the difficulty of solo parenting for both mothers and fathers (N = 289) through free associations. Results show that besides the overall positive perceptions of both genders, single fathers were more frequently associated with warmth traits (e.g., likeable, friendly). Single mothers, however, were perceived as more competent, particularly regarding raising children alone. Qualitative data showed that while most respondents viewed single motherhood and fatherhood as equally difficult, gender stereotypes persisted—mothers were seen as more capable caregivers, fathers as better breadwinners. Quantitative results were more nuanced: More liberal views on parenting roles were linked to greater acceptance of both single mothers’ and fathers’ competence, but only to some extent. Emotional and relational aspects of parenting remain tied to the two‐parent ideal, while financial concerns continue to influence perceptions of single mothers’ adequacy as providers.

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