Single mothers are in every part of the world. But did you know Iceland has the world’s
highest percentage of single mothers? That’s correct.

However, on a list of countries with the most unwed mothers, America ranks near the
middle with 40%. Turkey ranks third with 3%. Iceland ranks first on the list, with 67%
of unwed mothers. That’s a whopping 27% more than in the United States.

The Rise of Unwed Mothers in Iceland: Breaking the Stigma

Nevertheless, each country has a different perspective, based primarily on how it views and treats women. In America, for example, a single-mother home is frequently referred to as a “broken family.” In contrast, such a viewpoint is frowned upon in Iceland. In this regard, Icelander Bryndis Asmundottir, who has three children from two fathers and has no shame or regret. She says, “You have this horribleterm in English, ‘broken families, ‘ which basically means if you get divorced, then something’s broken. But that’s not the way it is in Iceland at all. We live in a small and secure environment, and the women have so much freedom. So you can just, you can choose your life.” 

Consequently, she adds that few Icelanders being religious may explain the difference. As a result, unwed pregnancy carries no moral stigma. Furthermore, Iceland provides some of the world’s most generous parental leave policies: nine months at 80% pay (three months for mom, three for dad, and another three divided between the couple.)

The Harsh Reality for Single Mothers in America

In America, however, there is a vastly different picture. Not only are unwedded
single mothers viewed as unacceptable, but black unwed mothers are particularly
stigmatized. For instance, it is frequently the first item mentioned to explain why
problems persist in the black community.  This is truest when debates about it
arise. However, it is usually a deflection strategy. It is also further intimated that
single-mother households are why the black community has “so much” crime.

Those who express such reservations are somehow usually associated with a religious
organization in some way. The role of racism in America is another underlying and more
revealing issue.

“Single Mothers in America Battling Racism, Patriarchy, and Religion”

Racism permeates every American institution and policy. Education, health care, employment, and any social programs to assist those in need are included. Black single mothers are not exempt from this racism. The widespread belief is that the government’s “generosity” will disproportionately benefit black people over white people. Furthermore, a tacitly popular belief is that equitable distribution of these programs would deprive deserving whites and “reward” undeserving blacks. This mindset persists even though both blacks and whites contribute to the tax system, which generates the vast majority of benefits.

Meanwhile, those leading the charge vociferously and condemning unwed
mothers in America identify as red-state hardliners. These are some
of the states that tend to be the most religious and openly racist.
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida are at the top of the list for unwed
mothers by states in America. They are all religiously conservative
and notorious for racism.

Does Iceland Get It Right?

Ultimately, Icelander Bryndis Asmundottir may have been correct
when she identified religion as the defining difference between Iceland
and the United States regarding unwed mothers. Her observations lack
the racism factor but do not detract from her remark. Much of America’s
outrage over unwed mothers are motivated by Judeo-Christian-Islamic
ties and racism. 

A third factor related to Judeo-Christian-Islamic beliefs is America’s
patriarchal nature and the need to control women’s actions and behaviors.
This, too, was cited as a difference between Iceland and America but only
by degrees. Yet, the degrees are enough to make a tremendous difference
in the treatment of women in Iceland versus in the United States.

Eliminating access to safe abortions, maintaining unequal pay for the same
work as men, and the need to hold on to antiquated religious mores tied to
patriarchal values keep America in a state of stagnation concerning women.

The fact that Iceland has a higher rate of single mothers without American
baggage attests to the source of the problem and provides food for thought
going forward. A comparison of unwed mothers in Iceland and unwed black
mothers in America balances the discussion and posits it in a more conducive
environment for fruitful discourse.