A phenomenological study of children who were raised by single mothers
Hadebe, Athandile Slindile
This study explored the lived experiences of children who were raised by single
mothers; either from birth or at later stages of their lives due to fathers passing away
or parents separating and divorcing from one another. It focused on how they relate
to themselves by being raised by single mothers and what effect it has had on their
relationships with significant partners, paternal siblings, and other paternal family
members. Five participants between the ages of 25 and 33 were from Vryheid, Kwa-
Zula Natal and the one was from the East Rand, Gauteng. Qualitative research
paradigm was used in this study. Data was collected using semi-structured
interviews. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to make sense of
data. Findings revealed that although most participants viewed father presence as
important, they also gave homage to their mothers and that mothers can raise successful children single-handedly. Particularly since some cited having
experienced difficult relationships with their mothers but are still grateful for the
sacrifices made by their mothers. Some participants had strict mothers and others
have subsequently formed close friendships with their mothers as they went into
adulthood. The majority of the participants had no relationship with the paternal
families, and some attributed their success to their mothers or their maternal
families. Although some participants experienced more than one form of abuse
(financial and/or emotional), they have become positive contributors to society and
do not view their childhood circumstances as a hinderance to them succeeding in
life.
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