Research carried out in Chicago's Woodlawn and Oakland districts by William Julius Wilson led this eminent Harvard sociologist to conclude that what lay behind single parenthood and the many difficulties it involves in bringing up children was unemployment and the black culture of the inner city.

ECONOMIST: Chicago's current success may be about as good as it gets

Also parents have a major role in bringing their children up without sectarian hatred in their hearts.

BBC: Belfast school's story

And that's why it's my passion that every child should have the chance to realise the potential, with the resources that we can bring to them, supporting parents in the difficult task of bringing up their children.

BBC: EDUCATION

More people are bringing up children single-handedly, or are in families where both parents work.

ECONOMIST: I promise to do my best (if I can find the time)

He said the UK must "do better at bringing up our children" and insisted that "much more systematic" intervention in the 120, 000 most troubled families was key.

BBC: Rioters need tough love, says David Cameron