Mothering alone in Singapore_v26_Clean.pdf

Single parenthood represents an arduous journey in which the parent without partners faces unique difficulties, such as financial and psychosocial challenges in child-rearing. For single mothers, this journey is complicated by the additional need to navigate structural gender inequalities in Singapore. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of single mothers in Singapore, including their strengths and coping mechanisms in addressing social inequalities. Fifteen single mothers were interviewed in this descriptive study. Thematic analysis of the data revealed an overarching theme of “navigating solo: empowering paths through single motherhood,” along with five sub-themes: (1) challenges when navigating single parenting; (2) guilt and stigma from single motherhood; (3) the value of support; (4) insights and coping mechanisms; and (5) growth and beyond. Such findings thus underscored the vital role played by social workers in supporting single mothers. Despite the challenges, perceived guilt, and stigma, single mothers strove to ensure that their children were protected from the potential detrimental impacts of single parenthood. Support systems, both formal and informal, acted as a bulwark in their journey of single parenthood. Their resilience and hope for a better future underpinned their perseverance in the face of these difficulties. Insights from this research align with the broader goals of social work, which include promoting social justice, enhancing individual well-being, and addressing issues of inequality and discrimination. Understanding the challenges and strengths of single mothers will enable social workers to develop targeted interventions that enhance their well-being from a strengths-based perspective. Additionally, our insights serve as a catalyst for social workers to advocate for more inclusive policies and practices that address the challenges faced by single parents.单亲育儿堪称一段艰辛的历程，无配偶的单亲家长在育儿过程中会面临诸多独特困境，例如经济与社会心理层面的挑战。对于新加坡的单身母亲而言，这一历程又因需要应对结构性性别不平等而更为复杂。有鉴于此，本研究旨在探究新加坡单身母亲的育儿经历，包括她们在应对社会不平等过程中展现的自身优势与应对机制。本描述性研究共访谈了15名单身母亲，对所获数据开展的主题分析结果显示，核心主题为“独自前行：打通单亲育儿的赋权之路”，同时衍生出5个子主题：(1) 单亲育儿过程中遭遇的挑战；(2) 单亲育儿带来的愧疚感与污名化；(3) 支持的价值；(4) 认知领悟与应对机制；(5) 成长与展望。上述研究结果凸显了社会工作者在支持单身母亲过程中所发挥的关键作用。尽管面临重重挑战、承受着愧疚感与污名，单身母亲仍竭力为子女规避单亲育儿可能带来的潜在负面影响。正式与非正式的支持体系，皆是她们单亲育儿之路上的坚实屏障。她们的韧性与对美好未来的期许，支撑着自身在困境中坚持前行。本研究的认知结论与社会工作的核心宗旨高度契合，后者涵盖推动社会正义、提升个体福祉，以及应对不平等与歧视问题。了解单身母亲所面临的挑战与自身优势，将有助于社会工作者从优势视角出发，制定针对性的干预方案以提升其福祉水平。此外，本研究的结论可作为有力推手，推动社会工作者倡导更具包容性的政策与实践，以应对单亲家长所面临的各类困境。