Single mothers and family formation in Suurbraak: a mixed methods study

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mothers from the coloured population in South Africa are often single, raising children without the assistance of a spouse or partner, yet research on their family structures is scarce despite the financial and other challenges such single mother families often face. This thesis aims to explore the single mother family in the village of Suurbraak, South Africa.Two main themes associated with single motherhood are explored: the household structures Suurbraak single mothers occupy and what the origin of single motherhood within the village could be. A mixed methods research design is utilised, implementing both qualitative and quantitative research strategies to explore the stated aims. More specifically, an exploratory sequential design comprising three stages is implemented: participant observation, followed by in-depth semi-structured interviews and finally administering a survey.The findings emphasise that single mothers across all marital statuses and ages typically occupy various forms of the extended household structure and very rarely reside in a household with only their children. They often form part of female-headed and multi-generational households, often comprising multiple family units per household. The origin of single motherhood is mostly due to a disconnection between the perceptions of mothers (particularly prerequisites for marriage), and the options available within their environment. Two broad antecedents of single motherhood are identified: a lack of opportunities to fulfil their prerequisites for marriage or cohabitation appear to exist with singlehood often being represented as more ideal than marriage or cohabitation; and circumstances independent of their ideals which could further inhibit marriage or cohabitation.While the study yields insights into the manifestation of single motherhood and single mothers‟ household formation amongst coloured women in a rural community, Suurbraak, there is a need to study it also in other contexts in order to develop a more generalized understanding.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University