SINGLE PARENTS AND INFORMAL NETWORKS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

There has been a noted increase in the number of divorces in Singapore. This has led to a rise in the number of single-parent families. Divorce or separation leaves the burden of managing a family solely on the single parent. The trauma of single parenthood brings many problems, including financial hardships which arise from being the sole breadwinner of the family, practical childcare problems, emotional instabilities and stress resulting from single parenting and failure in marriage. This academic exercise is a qualitative study aiming to explore the ability of single parents to cope with and recover from the problems and stress associated with single parenthood. Their ability to do so depends very much on support provided by the informal networks in which the individual is located. Such networks include kin, close friends, colleagues, and neighbours. Other factors which help the single parents include their religious background and their self-esteem. This research demonstrates that there is a positive correlation between the ability of the single parent to cope with their problems and the support received from the informal networks.