Nicki Flaig investigates the effects of a missing parent on the family

Motherlessness means very different things to different families. The factors which might affect its meaning and implications are very varied. Much depends on the age of the children and the size of the family, on the cause of the motherlessness. [Illegible word] the events which preceded the mother's death or departure. Equally important are the proximity of kin and their ability to help, the quality of relations with neighbours, the availability of social services and the degree of understanding of employers. The father's income, the nature of his job, the length and stability of the marriage are also relevant. Motherlessness will unite some families; it will divide others.