A phenomenological study of children who were raised by single mothers

Abstract

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.