No Good Choices: Concealing or Disclosing Single Motherhood in Korea

Abstract

Abstract Little research has explored the context in which single parents in Korea conceal their identity. Using data from focus group interviews with 19 single mothers, this qualitative study conducted a thematic analysis to examine (a) how and why single mothers in Korea conceal their status as such, (b) the consequences of mothers concealing their identity, and (c) their efforts to find a space where they can be themselves. The findings revealed that in Korea’s strong collectivist and Confucian-influenced culture, single mothers experience societal stigma that implicitly and explicitly deters them from disclosing their status. Women who choose to disclose their single motherhood must actively “come out” and face the subsequent stigma directly, while those who choose not to do so experience isolation, feelings of guilt, and lower levels of civic participation. There are no options that allow a single mother to simultaneously be true to herself and remain free from societal shame—there is no good choice. However, the mothers who participated in this study fostered a positive social identity by attending support groups, building relationships, helping others, and increasing social and civic participation. The implications for social work research and practice are discussed.