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Single Mothers’ Experiences with Pregnancy and Child Rearing in Korea: Discrepancy between Social Services/Policies and Single Mothers’ Needs

Author

Listed:
  • Jung-Eun Kim

    (Division of Social Welfare Policy Coordination, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Seoul 03741, Korea)

  • Jin Yong Lee

    (Public Health Medical Service, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 07061, Korea
    Institute of Health Policy and Management, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea)

  • Sang Hyung Lee

    (Department of Neurosurgery, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 07061, Korea)

Abstract

This study aims to explore single mothers’ experiences with social services/policies for their independent living and to identify gaps between these experiences and the needs of single mothers. A focus group discussion was performed to collect data. Seven single mothers discussed their experiences in significant periods of their lives: pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. Findings from the qualitative thematic analysis show discrepancies between the direction of social services/policies and single mothers’ needs, in terms of difficulties in healthcare, childcare, housing, employment, and income security. To the single mothers in this study, the social safety net is not inclusive, compared to that which is available to two-parent families or adoptive families. It is necessary to intervene in current blind spots of services/policies for single mothers, and to provide a social safety net to strengthen single mothers’ self-reliance and their children’s social security in the long term.

Suggested Citation

  • Jung-Eun Kim & Jin Yong Lee & Sang Hyung Lee, 2018. "Single Mothers’ Experiences with Pregnancy and Child Rearing in Korea: Discrepancy between Social Services/Policies and Single Mothers’ Needs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-12, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:5:p:955-:d:145616
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joachim R. Frick & Gert G. Wagner, 2000. "Short Term Living Conditions and Long Term Prospects of Immigrant Children in Germany," Discussion Papers of DIW Berlin 229, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
    2. Sheila B. Kamerman & Michelle Neuman & Jane Waldfogel & Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, 2003. "Social Policies, Family Types and Child Outcomes in Selected OECD Countries," OECD Social, Employment and Migration Working Papers 6, OECD Publishing.
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