What's life really like? Single mothers' perceptions

Abstract

This study provides an in-depth analysis of 14 low-income, female, single parents living in low-income areas in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Through the use of open-ended interviews, this study explored how these women perceived their shelter environments and financial resources. Based on the participants' perceptions of their circumstances, a typology of single mothers was generated. Generally, two polar views were held by participants, either they accepted their circumstances or they did not and sought to change them. Four groups of single mothers were developed using one of these two views as the common link. Other factors that influenced these groups included such factors as personal characteristics, history, and plans for the future. The needs of each group varied considerably in the typology. This typology would be very useful for direct client service as well as program development. There are numerous implications of the findings in this study.