Single Mothers Research Articles

Mothers of children with disabilities: exploring lived experiences, challenges, and divorce risk

This qualitative study explores the psychological challenges faced by divorced Saudi mothers who are raising children with disabilities. The study highlights the impact of having a child with a disability on marital stability and family issues, and the psychological challenges experienced by single mothers. Using semi-structured in-depth interviews, data were collected from five divorced mothers recruited from a private daycare center. Participants ranged in age from 34 to 53, each with one child with a disability, and an average divorce period of four years. The thematic analysis revealed that single/divorced Saudi mothers of children with disabilities experienced significant psychological strain characterized by fear, shock and attempts at religious acceptance to cope with their child’s condition. Additionally, these mothers reported facing substantial social challenges, including societal ridicule and limited remarriage prospects, highlighting the broader impact of having a child with a disability on their lives. The study underscores the need for tailored psychological support and interventions for families of children with disabilities, especially for mothers who are significantly impacted by the challenges associated with their child’s condition. Additionally, the study emphasizes the negative impact of societal attitudes towards disability, which can contribute to social problems and psychological distress for families. The study’s findings suggest the need for specialized clinics and support groups to help families cope with the unique challenges they face.

Empowering Narratives: Ideological Constructs through References for Women in True Love East Africa and The Parents Magazines in Kenya

This article examines various references given to women in True Love East Africa and The Parents Magazine and emergent ideological constructs. It presents results of a study whose one of its objective was to identify and analyse the ideological constructs brought out by references for women in the discourses of the two magazines and what these references revealed about the Kenyan women. The study investigated the portrayal of women in the two magazines, employing a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and quantitative analyses. Utilizing thematic content analysis and critical discourse analysis (CDA), the research explored how these magazines constructed and negotiated identities for millennial mothers and independent women within a rapidly evolving socio-cultural context. By analyzing the references, the study revealed a significant shift in narratives, showcasing women not as passive subjects but as active participants in societal change. Key themes identified include the emergence of the “millennial mom” ideology, which celebrates women's economic participation and challenges traditional gender roles, highlighting their professional achievements and contributions beyond domestic spheres. The findings underscore a transformation in the depiction of women, reflecting broader societal trends prioritizing gender equality and women’s empowerment. Discourses surrounding single motherhood, professional success, and resilience in the face of societal expectations emerged, illustrating how these narratives challenge entrenched patriarchal norms. The study emphasizes the critical role of media in shaping perceptions of gender, calling for advocacy to amplify diverse and empowering narratives. It recommends policy development that supports equitable representation in media, urging further longitudinal studies to track the evolution of these representations. By highlighting the intersection of media, gender, and societal transformation, this research contributes to the understanding of women's roles in contemporary Kenyan society

Elevating Voices of Black Single Mothers and Their Adolescent Daughters: Strengthening Mother-daughter Program Retention and Satisfaction

Elevating Voices of Black Single Mothers and Their Adolescent Daughters: Strengthening Mother-daughter Program Retention and Satisfaction

Why should i be judged? Exploring third party perceptions of workplace incivility against single working mothers

A serious problem in the workplace is incivility, which impacts especially vulnerable groups like single mothers who hold jobs and experience subtle unfair or damaging treatment. As the number of single working mothers continues to rise in today’s workforce, this study aims to clarify third-party perceptions about incivility against them at work and subsequent influences on individuals as well as the organization. Because the analysis is embedded in theories of social role expectations and organizational justice, it explores third-party observers’ perceptions (such as coworkers or supervisors) of whether incivility directed at single working mothers differs from that experienced by their comparison group—professionally equivalent peers who do not share equal caregiver responsibilities. The researchers employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews to collect rich data from participants who represented several fields. They report their results that third-party observers are less likely to experience vicarious justification of incivility against single working mothers but may be equally unlikely or even more reluctant than in the case of other employees and furthermore find this data account for these differences. The results illustrate the intricate interplay of gender, family structure and work dynamics on workplace outcomes—all leading to lower job satisfaction rates, a high level of stress or even stagnation in career progression for single working mothers. Our findings also extend the workplace incivility literature by demonstrating ways in which single working mothers are particularly vulnerable to this form of mistreatment and a broader need for organizational policies that cultivate an inclusive, supportive environment. Implications for human resource management, organizational culture and policy based on these findings are discussed as it may provide some recommendations for handling incivility in the workplace environment.

Social support, happiness, work–family conflict, and state anxiety among single mothers during the covid-19 pandemic

Israel has been greatly affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19), which the World Health Organization defined as a pandemic in March 2020. This study explored state anxiety, social support, work–family conflict, and happiness among mothers who are single by choice. This population’s experiences have not been examined during crises such as a global pandemic. Using snowball sampling, we recruited 386 single mothers by choice to complete an online questionnaire. Correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship between income and state anxiety (r = −0.12, p < 0.05). Social support (r = −0.35, p < 0.01) and level of happiness (r = −0.58, p < 0.01) also had negative correlations with state anxiety. A positive and significant relationship was found between work–family conflict and state anxiety (r = 0.42, p < 0.01). Stepwise regression analysis showed that happiness explained 34% of the variance in state anxiety. Future studies could compare mothers in relationships and how single mothers by choice coped in other countries. This would shed light on state anxiety among mothers with varying relationship statuses and in differing locations.

Factors influencing health-promoting behavior among single mothers in Northeastern Malaysia: a cross-sectional study.

Health-promoting behaviors (HPB) play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing overall well-being. Single mothers are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and less involvement in HPB due to psychosocial disadvantages. This study aimed to determine the HPB scores and factors influencing HPB among single mothers in Kelantan (Northeastern, Malaysia). This study employed a cross-sectional design, selecting 242 single mothers from Kelantan through proportional stratified sampling. Data were gathered through questionnaires covering sociodemographic details, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II), the Malay Version of Health Beliefs Related to Cardiovascular Disease (HBCVD-M), and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support (MPSS). The relationships between the dependent variable (HPB) and independent variables were analyzed using multivariable linear regression models. The respondents achieved an average HPB score of 118.03 (SD = 19.2), with the highest mean scores in spiritual growth (22.46 [SD = 3.70]) and interpersonal relationships (22.05 [SD = 3.67]). Physical activity had the lowest mean score at 15.09 (SD = 4.62). Significant positive associations were found between HPB and perceived severity of CVD (adjusted β = 1.60; 95% CI [0.68-2.53]; p<0.001) as well as perceived social support (adjusted β = 0.63; 95% CI [0.37-0.90]; p<0.001). Conversely, educational level (adjusted β = -10.36; 95% CI [-16.06 to -4.67]; p<0.001) and perceived benefits of reducing CVD risk (adjusted β = -1.43; 95% CI [-2.37 to -0.48]; p<0.001) were negatively associated with HPB. The findings highlight the importance of health beliefs, social support, and education in shaping HPB among single mothers. Community health initiatives targeting this population should develop strategies to strengthen individuals' health beliefs and promote a supportive environment.

The Influence of Divorce on the Social and Emotional Development of 5-6 Year Old Children in Pondok Perasi Ampenan Village, Mataram City, 2023 (Case Study)

Divorce is an event that is highly undesirable for every couple and family. Divorce in any family constitutes a major transition and adjustment, especially for children, who may experience emotional and behavioral reactions due to the loss of one parent. This study on single-parenting and its effects on the social and emotional development of 5-6-year-old children was conducted with the aim of understanding the influence of divorce on children's social-emotional development. The research was carried out in Pondok Perasi Village, Ampenan, Mataram City in 2023. The study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. Data was collected through observation and interviews. The differences between single mother and single father parenting were apparent, with fathers adopting a democratic parenting style, characterized by open communication between parent and child. They establish mutually agreed-upon rules, and children are free to express their opinions, feelings, and desires. Meanwhile, mothers displayed a permissive parenting style, allowing children the freedom to behave according to their own desires. The study results indicate that the social-emotional development of children from divorced families was reasonably good, although there was a noticeable lack of involvement from one family member. Single parents assumed both the father and mother roles in fostering the social and emotional development of their children.

Single Mothers Association of Kenya (SMAK) and the Fight to Stay Put on the Ziwani Estate in Nairobi

This Reflection discusses the fight to stay put on the Ziwani Estate in Nairobi, in the face of the redevelopment (gentrification) of one of the first East African public housing projects developed in Kenya under colonial rule. The Single Mothers Association of Kenya (SMAK), a community-based organization founded on the Ziwani Estate, is leading the fight for/with Ziwani residents. SMAK is focused on land and housing rights, capacity building for the community on these rights, advocating against illegal eviction, and fighting against gentrification, densification, and homelessness. Under immediate threat SMAK found local and global allies in academia, civil society, and in UN bodies. They have had some important wins on the preservation and conservation of Ziwani historic places and people based on unexpected academic collaborations and on their own activism which they believe requires civic education, domestic and international lobbying, and possibly legal struggle.

School starting age and mothers’ labour supply: causal evidence from the 2012 education reform in Turkey

PurposeThis paper assesses the impact of a reduction in childcare costs, resulting from a change in compulsory schooling law, on mothers' labour supply in Turkey.Design/methodology/approachThe 2012 Education Reform lowered the school starting age, allowing children up to 60 months old to enrol in primary schools. Previously, the starting age was seven years old, corresponding to 72-month-old children. We consider this change as an implied childcare subsidy for mothers with eligible children and investigate its labour market consequences. Using Turkish Household Labour Force Surveys, we applied a differences-in-differences method to estimate the effect of this law on mothers' labour supply.FindingsThe results reveal that the reform did not alter mothers' labour supply behaviour, even when categorized by educational attainment and marital status. While the findings for married mothers align with previous literature, the results for single mothers, despite showing a positive magnitude, are not statistically significant.Originality/valuePrevious literature shows a strong correlation but limited causal evidence on childcare subsidies and maternal labour supply in Turkey. This study is the first to use a change in compulsory schooling law to provide causal evidence. The results suggest that mothers in developing countries may respond differently to subsidies than those in developed countries, especially when there is an extensive informal childcare market. Policymakers should consider this when addressing mothers' behavioural inertia.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2024-0110

Is God a Woman? Female Faces of God in Contemporary Cinema

Film, as a medium, serves not only as a significant source of entertainment but also as a powerful instrument in shaping attitudes, beliefs, behaviours, social norms, and identities. Since its inception, cinematic art has been closely intertwined with religious themes, with many film narratives drawing implicitly or explicitly from biblical texts and religious traditions. Consequently, theologians and ecclesiastical authorities were quick to identify film as a potential locus theologicus. Given film’s ability to spark debates on deeply ingrained views and beliefs, feminist theology, which critically reflects on gender power relations within religious communities and theological texts, finds it intriguing to explore how cinematic narratives can challenge the millennia-old depiction of God as a man. This article aims to examine how the art of cinema contributes to theological reflections on the female metaphors of God, particularly through female Christ-figures and God-figures, which occasionally appear in films such as Chocolat, All That Jazz, Always, Dogma, and The Shack. These characters defy traditional religious language, which often employs masculine imagery and metaphors for God, portraying female God as an independent chocolatier, a single mother, an elegant hairdresser, a beautiful young seductress, a curvaceous African American bread maker, and a witty, clownish girl. In these cinematic depictions, female God is compassionate, empathetic, kind, witty, forgiving, and profoundly in love with her human creations. At the same time, all of these female characters are powerful, assertive, strong, and self-confident.

Study of the Association Between Socioeconomic Determinants and Pregnancy Follow-Up Indicators of Mothers of Low-Birth-Weight Infants: Insights for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Aims: This study investigates the association between socioeconomic determinants and pregnancy follow-up among 200 mothers of low-birth-weight newborns. By identifying factors influencing maternal care and birth outcomes, the study contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3, 8, and 10, focusing on improving maternal and child health, reducing socioeconomic disparities, and ensuring equitable healthcare access. Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted over 12 months (June 2020–July 2021) at the neonatology and nutrition reference center of Rabat Children's Hospital. The study recruited 206 mother-child pairs, focusing on those with low-birth-weight infants. Results: Among the 200 mothers, 92% followed their pregnancies. Distribution of prenatal consultations was as follows: 0.54% had one visit, 5.98% two visits, 33.7% three, 41.85% four, and 17.93% more than four. Analysis revealed significant associations between pregnancy follow-up and socioeconomic factors. Maternal age (p &lt; 0.001), education level (p &lt; 0.001), and place of residence significantly influenced pregnancy monitoring, with urban mothers more likely to receive follow-up care. Single mothers had a 100% non-tracking rate, while married mothers predominantly monitored their pregnancies. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the strong influence of sociodemographic factors on antenatal care use, aligning with findings from other contexts. It contributes new insights into the specific characteristics of our study population and has practical implications for shaping maternal and child health policies, addressing the unique needs of diverse sub-populations. Achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) requires targeted interventions that improve equitable access to quality maternal care.

An Overview of Emotional Exhaustion In Single Working Mothers

The problem in this study is that single mothers become workers and carry out multiple roles. This study aims to determine the background of emotional exhaustion in single mothers. The subjects in this study were mothers who were still actively working who had been divorced from their husbands and had at least one child. This research method is descriptive in the form of phenomenology. Data collection methods used are observation and interviews. Data analysis techniques used are data reduction, data presentation and conclusions. The conclusions in this study are (1) single mothers experience physical exhaustion due to carrying out dual roles both as workers in the office and as parents to their children, (2) single mothers have problems controlling emotions, especially related to the upbringing of their children, and (3) single mothers try to overcome their sadness to maintain their mental awareness in carrying out their role as parents for their children.

FORMATION OF GENDER IDENTIFICATION IN THE PROCESS OF SOCIALIZATION OF ADOLESCENTS

The article describes the essence of gender identification in the process of socialization of adolescents. The social transformations taking place in modern society are changing the established ways of life, social norms, and ideological structures that define them, as well as attitudes toward them. These transformations have a significant impact on the formation of the individual, his or her status and position in society, professional development, and family roles. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the conditions for the formation of gender identification in the process of socialization of adolescents based on a gender approach, which is implemented in the family, school, and society. The concepts of gender and gender culture are highlighted. Attention is focused on the rapid increase in the percentage of so-called civil marriages, which lead to an increase in the number of single mothers and disorientation of sex education of children in the family. In these marriages, young people are not responsible for an “artificial” family, do not strive to have and raise children, and live together to satisfy their sexual needs. Relationships formed in this way are perceived and evaluated differently by boys and girls. Thus, among the 40 adolescent males surveyed, 70% were in favor of civil marriage, while 30% were against it. Among female adolescents, 31.5% approve of civil marriages, and 68.5% are against them. The results show that boys are more loyal to free, unencumbered relationships, but girls also perceive them quite favorably, not fully realizing that it is the woman who is socially and personally more vulnerable in such a situation. It has been found that adolescents show a high awareness of their personal identity through various aspects, such as gender perceptions, social roles, moral values, and interests. They are actively rethinking their place in society and their own views, which indicates their developed self-awareness and readiness to interact with the world around them. It is concluded that the rapid development of technology, diverse cultural influences, and new forms of communication create a unique environment in which gender norms and stereotypes are constantly being revised and evolved. This process is of particular importance for adolescents, as they are actively in the phase of self-determination and personal development. Understanding the gender aspects of social interaction among this group will help to identify and address the problems of inequality and discrimination at the initial stages of their occurrence. Prospects for further research of the problem are seen in the study of the influence of gender factors of adolescents on self-determination in modern society. Keywords: gender, identity, society, socialization, construct, personality, adolescents

Shaping Futures: The Impact of Childhood Gender Socialization on Self-Empowerment among Single Mothers

This article critically investigates the nuanced interplay between childhood gender socialization and its long-term implications for self-empowerment in single mothers. It dissects the pervasive influence of societal gender norms, entrenched through early education, media portrayals, and formative family interactions, and how these norms shape the empowerment narrative of single mothers navigating the complexities of solo parenthood. Central to this examination is the role of gender-specific expectations established in childhood that potentially delineate and limit the scope of personal agency and autonomy later in life. By integrating qualitative anecdotes with quantitative data, this study elucidates the challenges and resilience inherent to single motherhood, underpinned by the gendered experiences ingrained from childhood. This article aims to highlight the transformative potential of redefining traditional gender roles, advocating for systemic support, and fostering inclusive communities that enhance the self-sufficiency and empowerment of single mothers across diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Through this lens, we offer insights into the potential for policy interventions, educational reforms, and supportive social structures to mitigate the restrictive impacts of gendered upbringing, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on gender equality and empowerment.

Pola Komunikasi Ibu Tunggal Dalam Proses Perkembangan Karakter Anak Studi Kualitatif pada Mahasiswa/i Ilmu Komunikasi FISIP UNSIKA Angkatan 2020

The high rate of divorce in Indonesia raises new concerns for parents in educating their children. The integrity of family members is essential in fostering positive character development in children. For a mother, fulfilling two roles within the family is not an easy task. The application of different communication patterns can lead to varying character development in children. This study aims to identify the communication patterns employed by single mothers in the character development of their children, as well as to understand the obstacles faced by single mothers in communicating with their children. This research uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological study approach. The theory used in this research is symbolic interactionism. Data collection was conducted through observation, in-depth interviews, and literature studies. The findings indicate that there are several different communication patterns implemented by single mothers in educating and shaping their childrens positive character. The obstacles faced by each family vary, but each family strives to maintain effective communication within the family.

Determinants of under-five mortality in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya from 2002 to 2018

BackgroundChildhood mortality persists as a significant public health challenge in low and middle-income countries and is uneven within countries, with poor communities such as urban informal settlements bearing the highest burden. There is limited literature from urban informal settlements on the risk factors of mortality. We assessed under-five mortality and associated risk factors from the period 2002 to 2018 in Nairobi urban informal settlements.MethodsWe used secondary data from the Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System (NUHDSS), a longitudinal surveillance platform that routinely collects individual and household-level data in two informal settlements (Viwandani and Korogocho) in Nairobi, Kenya. We used Kaplan-Meier curves to estimate overall survival and the Cox proportional hazard model with a frailty term to evaluate the impact of risk factors on survival time.ResultsOverall under-five survival rate was 96.8% and this improved from 82.6% (2002-2006) to 95% (2007-2012) and 98.4% (2012-2018). There was a reduced risk of mortality among children who had BCG vaccination, those born to a married mother or a mother not engaging in any income-generating activity (both from 2007 to 2011), children from singleton pregnancy, children born in Viwandani slum and ethnicity of the child.ConclusionUnder-five mortality is still high in urban informal settlements. Targeted public health interventions such as vaccinations and interventions empowering women such as single mothers, those with multiple pregnancies, and more impoverished slums are needed to further reduce under-five mortality in urban informal settlements.

‘Proud of our families’: single-parent activism in the 1990s1

ABSTRACT This article explores the history of the Bristol-based organisation Single-Parent Action Network (SPAN), and its challenge to mainstream understandings of single parenthood. A sharp increase in single parent-led households since the 1970s had been met by a political and social narrative that single-parent families (c. 90% of them headed by women) were both a drain on the public purse and a root cause of social breakdown. Both the Conservatives and New Labour supported policies that aimed to decrease welfare dependency by increasing child support payments from absent fathers and getting single mothers into paid work. These policies—which reconceptualised single mothers as workers rather than carers—were opposed by SPAN, a multi-racial and women-led national and international network, which sought to challenge the stigmatisation of single parents. SPAN’s work and organisational self-understanding were underpinned by ideas and practices that had their origins in the 1970s and 1980s Black, women’s and community activism: anti-racism, a feminist understanding of care as work, and the importance of lived experience in the political process. Although SPAN often seemed out of step with modernised and professional NGOs, the values it espoused were to prove remarkably persistent and re-emerge in the new millennium in unexpected ways.

Relationship between Self-Esteem, Social Support, and Life Satisfaction among Single Mothers in Selangor

Relationship between Self-Esteem, Social Support, and Life Satisfaction among Single Mothers in Selangor

Cooperative and Solitary Mobbing to Defend Offspring in Wild Gray Mouse Lemurs, Microcebus murinus

ABSTRACTGray mouse lemur, Microcebus murinus, mothers either cooperatively breed plurally with kin or breed solitarily. We describe the first observations of cooperative and solitary mobbing to defend offspring by wild cooperative breeding gray mouse lemur mothers in Kirindy Forest, Western Madagascar. We observed four groups of cooperatively breeding mothers and their offspring daily between 18:00 and 04:00 from January 1 to 15, 2023. Cooperative mobbing was observed twice, and solitary mobbing by a single cooperative breeding mother was observed once. There was one Malagasy tree boa, Sanzinia madagascariensis, per mobbing event. Mothers solitarily mobbed by directly approaching within 1 m of the boa, walking and changing distance while within 1 m of the boa. In addition to the solitary mobbing behaviors, cooperatively mobbing mothers approached the boa together from the same or different directions or alternated, and they gathered around the boa. Mothers collaborated in the context of offspring defense from predators and performed different complementary tasks: mobbing while another provided alloparental care by guarding the offspring of the association, that is, babysitting. Mothers performed similar mobbing behaviors and occasionally synchronized in time or coordinate in time and in space to approach from different directions and gather around the boa. Mothers did not come in contact with the boas during mobbing but kept a distance of at least 20 cm. On two mobbing events, the boa rose up with its head facing the mobbing mothers and climbed down the tree after the mobbing. Cooperative mobbing to defend offspring likely evolved by kin selection but reciprocity and an interaction between kin selection and reciprocity cannot be ruled out, since gray mouse lemur mothers cooperatively breed with kin and basically allonurse reciprocally.

Loneliness, Depression and Decreased Life Satisfaction among Institutionalised Single Mothers

Loneliness, Depression and Decreased Life Satisfaction among Institutionalised Single Mothers