Mothers Left without a Man: Poverty and Single Parenthood in China
Most single-parent families in China are headed by women, and single mothers represent one of the fastest-growing groups living in poverty. Yet few studies have examined this group. This article seeks to better understand how (and why) single mothers are disadvantaged in China. Based on in-depth int...
| Published in: | Social Inclusion |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Cogitatio Press
2020
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| In: |
Social Inclusion
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| Further subjects: | B
familism culture
B Poverty B single parenthood B SINGLE mothers B China B single-parent households B Gender B Social Policy |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Summary: | Most single-parent families in China are headed by women, and single mothers represent one of the fastest-growing groups living in poverty. Yet few studies have examined this group. This article seeks to better understand how (and why) single mothers are disadvantaged in China. Based on in-depth interviews conducted in Zhuhai, Guangzhou Province, it demonstrates that single mothers are left behind in four respects: lower income and worse economic conditions, lower employment and career development opportunities, worse physical and mental health, and poorer interpersonal relationships and less chance of remarriage. The causes of these disadvantages include Chinese family beliefs, a culture of maternal sacrifice, the traditional division of labour between men and women and social stereotypes about single mothers. The article highlights the impacts of Chinese familism culture on single mothers and advocates incorporating a gender perspective into the agenda of family policy and other relevant social policies in China. |
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| ISSN: | 2183-2803 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Social Inclusion
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.17645/si.v8i2.2678 |