The social support networks of single mothers in Guguletu

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research investigates the social support networks of single mothers.The basic premise underlying this research is the importance of social workers'understanding of the social support networks of single mothers. It is necessary forsocial workers to identify the social support systems that exist in a social supportnetwork, and to select those systems which would be relevant to the needs of thesingle mother. The aim of this study is to present guidelines for social workers toempower single mothers to utilise social support networks to fulfil their roles asparents. The research report includes identifying personal information, issues faced by singleparentfamilies, the nature of single-parenthood, emotional and functional changesexperienced since becoming a single mother and the social support networks of singlemothers. Knowledge of these indicators will increase the awareness of social workersof the needs of single mothers. The research report includes identifying personal information, issues faced by singleparentfamilies, the nature of single-parenthood, emotional and functional changesexperienced since becoming a single mother and the social support networks of singlemothers. Knowledge of these indicators will increase the awareness of social workersof the needs of single mothers.The research report includes identifying personal information, issues faced by singleparentfamilies, the nature of single-parenthood, emotional and functional changesexperienced since becoming a single mother and the social support networks of singlemothers. Knowledge of these indicators will increase the awareness of social workersof the needs of single mothers. The research report includes identifying personal information, issues faced by singleparentfamilies, the nature of single-parenthood, emotional and functional changesexperienced since becoming a single mother and the social support networks of singlemothers. Knowledge of these indicators will increase the awareness of social workersof the needs of single mothers. The empirical research involved the use of both qualitative and quantitative methodsin order to explore the theoretical part of the research. This section was divided intotwo phases. The first phase was devoted to acquiring a sufficient understanding of thenature of what single-parenthood with an emphasis on single mothers, and also to geta better understanding of the single mothers' existing social support network. Thesecond phase included conducting interviews with the single mothers (N=10) with thehelp of a questionnaire. The findings and responses of the respondents were analyzed and compared with thefindings from previous studies undertaken by various authors. The findings of thisresearch can be used as guidelines for social workers who need to assist a singlemother with a need or problem, and more specifically can help the single mother toutilize her social support network.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University