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Shadow’s child : a qualitative study of three single mothers’ parenting practices and their children’s experience of being parented in low-income Indian families in Singapore
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Type
Thesis
Author
Jesuvadian, Mercy
Supervisor
Bacsal, Myra Garces
Abstract
This study examines parenting practices in three Indian low-income single-mother homes (age range 32-54 years) with at least one child between the ages of eight and ten. A total of three mothers and three children (8-10) years of age participated in this study. The key focus of this study is to explore and capture the parenting practices mothers use with their children. The challenges and barriers faced by the participants in building parent-child relationships is a key concern. International literature has suggested that the single mother home may be the least stable of family structures, especially if the mother has low educational qualifications and earning low income. Families in such conditions experience multiple stressors, which may contribute to inconsistent and/or harsh parenting practices, which result in weak parent-child relationships. Yet, local research examining parent-child relationships in low-wage Indian single-parent homes remains rare, even though there has been a proliferation of such households in recent years due to a rise in divorce rates.
Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory provided the theoretical foundation upon which the study was designed and implemented. A qualitative research design was adopted with three data collection methods utilized, namely a) participant observation, b) semi-structured interviews and c) autodriven photo elicitation (children only). Fieldnotes were also taken. Data were transcribed and analysed for emerging themes relating to parenting and being parented in the context of low-income and single parenthood, using Thematic Analysis.
A nuanced reading of the data led to the adoption of a key metaphor to illustrate the nature of the relationships observed: a taut, fraying rope being pulled at both ends. Critically, a growing tension marked the parent-child relationships studied. Parental belief that in Singapore, educational success will ensure a high quality of life could have driven observed parenting practices on three dimensions: a) parental control or discipline practices (including monitoring); b) practices associated with warmth, affection, and communication; and c) parental involvement and expectations. Data revealed that children’s understandings of being parented differed qualitatively from the mothers' understanding of parenting, leading to the observed tension. Multiple stressors experienced by the mothers, including lack of time, limited material resources, and limited external support from extended family, work, or social support, curtailed consistency of parenting in this sample. Though the mothers in this sample were nurturing, open and authentic communication with their children was limited, and the mutual understanding that is critical to sustaining a close family bond was not always exercised. This contributed to growing tension in the relationships observed, fraying the relationship further.
Parents need to be aware of ways of communicating and demonstrating love to their children despite the challenges of lack of time and resources and minimal support. Social support remains crucial for mothers in terms of both monetary support and child-rearing support. National policies governing housing, welfare, and skills upgrading for single parents may need to be refined further to better aid the mothers in providing quality care for their children.
Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory provided the theoretical foundation upon which the study was designed and implemented. A qualitative research design was adopted with three data collection methods utilized, namely a) participant observation, b) semi-structured interviews and c) autodriven photo elicitation (children only). Fieldnotes were also taken. Data were transcribed and analysed for emerging themes relating to parenting and being parented in the context of low-income and single parenthood, using Thematic Analysis.
A nuanced reading of the data led to the adoption of a key metaphor to illustrate the nature of the relationships observed: a taut, fraying rope being pulled at both ends. Critically, a growing tension marked the parent-child relationships studied. Parental belief that in Singapore, educational success will ensure a high quality of life could have driven observed parenting practices on three dimensions: a) parental control or discipline practices (including monitoring); b) practices associated with warmth, affection, and communication; and c) parental involvement and expectations. Data revealed that children’s understandings of being parented differed qualitatively from the mothers' understanding of parenting, leading to the observed tension. Multiple stressors experienced by the mothers, including lack of time, limited material resources, and limited external support from extended family, work, or social support, curtailed consistency of parenting in this sample. Though the mothers in this sample were nurturing, open and authentic communication with their children was limited, and the mutual understanding that is critical to sustaining a close family bond was not always exercised. This contributed to growing tension in the relationships observed, fraying the relationship further.
Parents need to be aware of ways of communicating and demonstrating love to their children despite the challenges of lack of time and resources and minimal support. Social support remains crucial for mothers in terms of both monetary support and child-rearing support. National policies governing housing, welfare, and skills upgrading for single parents may need to be refined further to better aid the mothers in providing quality care for their children.
Date Issued
2016
Call Number
HQ759.915 Mer
Date Submitted
2016