Lone mothers and the labour market : the situation in Malta

Abstract

Lone Mothers and the Labour Market: The Situation in Malta is a study which deals with the aspects confronted by lone mothers when considering employment, or when already forming part of the workforce. The examination of these aspects helps clarify whether lone mothers, provided adequate support, are willing to take up employment outside the home. The method for this study follows the design and analysis of a semi-structured questionnaire, administered personally to ten lone mothers. The analysis of this questionnaire looks into the criteria mentioned above. In order to achieve such aims, the methodology follows a qualitative nature. This dissertation focuses on lone mothers, precisely previously-married mothers who have lost their husband through annulment, separation, divorce or death. The findings show that most of the respondents are economically stable through income from various sources. While some respondents work, and in general have a very positive attitude towards their employment, others have decided to further their education and have a great desire to form part of the workforce once they terminate their studies. The results show that most lone mothers are able to survive, take control of their lives and engage in paid employment outside the home, but they need the fair social and economic support of a whole structure consisting of their immediate family, childcare, employers and government policies.