A new report reveals that economic disparities between low-income families and other households in Sweden are increasing, with single parents being particularly vulnerable. The study "Barnfamiljers ekonomiska svårigheter 2026" (Children's Families' Economic Difficulties 2026), released on Tuesday, shows that eight out of ten single parents feel anxiety about their financial situation.
According to the report, which was conducted for the fourth consecutive year on behalf of Hyresgästföreningen, Majblomman, Rädda Barnen, and Röda Korset, half of single parents have difficulty buying nutritious food for all days of the week. For cohabiting parents, the figure is 34 percent.
We sound the alarm year after year, but we see no improvement for those already living without margins. This year's report shows that when most people get better, families with already low incomes, especially single parents, fall behind.
Ulrika Modéer, Secretary General of the Swedish Red Cross, expressed concern about the findings. "We sound the alarm year after year, but we see no improvement for those already living without margins," she said. "This year's report shows that when most people get better, families with already low incomes, especially single parents, fall behind."
The survey, conducted by Verian via Sifo-panel and a partner panel, included 1,314 interviews with parents of children under 18. The study found that despite talk of economic recovery in Sweden, many low-income families, particularly single parents, struggle to make ends meet. Forty-one percent of single parents reported they cannot eat enough themselves.
When children need to stand in a food line or go to a soup kitchen to get full, we get a more unequal and divided society. That's not good for anyone.
Modéer highlighted the broader societal impact: "When children need to stand in a food line or go to a soup kitchen to get full, we get a more unequal and divided society. That's not good for anyone."