Two-parent households decline; on the rise in Surinamese families

The number of two-parent households in the Netherlands is on the decline in all ethnic groups except for Surinamese families. In the period between 1996 and 2015, the proportion of 15-year-olds living with both parents dropped from 80 percent to 71 percent. Only the proportion of 15-year-olds of Surinamese origin increased from 35 percent to 44 percent. This is according to figures released by Statistics Netherlands on Monday. According to Statistics Netherlands, the housing situation of 15-year-olds is closely related to their ethnic group. Three quarters of 15-year-olds that have two Dutch parents are living with both these parents. This percentage is about the same with children with Turkish and Moroccan parents. The percentage is lower with children with Surinamese and Antillean/Aruban parents. Only 44 percent of Surinamese children in the Netherlands are living with both their parents. This percentage has increased by a quarter compared to the 35 percent in 1996. The reason for the significant increase is unclear. When it comes to children with Antillean/Aruban parents, 33 percent of 15 year olds are living with both parents. This percentage has remained relatively stable over the past 10 years. In the case of separations, the children most go live with only their mother. Last year this was the case in 57 percent of separations. After parents separate, some kids also go live with a parent and his or her new partner. A quarter of kids with two Dutch parents and kids with parents from other Western countries live with their mother and stepfather. For other ethnic groups, this situation is less common. It is rare for kids to live with their father and stepmother in all ethnic groups - only 4 percent of the cases. There are also 15-year-olds living without parents. These are kids living with foster families, a halfway house group for young people or in an institution, such as a mental institution.