When suddenly you are alone : a case study on young single separated mothers

Abstract

The present research study explores the experience of young single separated mothers. It excludes widowed, unmarried as well as divorced mothers. The young single separated mothers under study are in the age range between 30 and 39 years and have a son in the 5-10 year old bracket. The Introduction gives an overview of the personal experience of the student's thesis and then follows with a brief outline of single parenthood in the local situation. The literature review is presented in the second Chapter. Reference is made to a number of authors' perceptions and findings on researches carried out by them. Chapter three deals with the methodology, ethical issues, analysis tool and the sampling method. The research is complemented with semi-structured personal interviews conducted among the young single mothers, for the purpose of obtaining a deeper understanding of their experience. The fourth Chapter aims to evaluate the findings from the interviews conducted with the three single mothers. Focus is directed on their relationship with their respective sons after separation, and other aspects concerning financial, social, and emotional difficulties. The strategies used by the participants to cope with their new lifestyle of single separated mothers are also indicated. The last and concluding Chapter puts forward a number of suggestions based on the findings of the three participants and makes recommendations for future relevant studies.