ECONOMIC EXPERIENCES OF SINGLE MOTHERS IN BHAMBAYI, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

Authors

  • Tanusha Raniga School of Applied Human Sciences, Department of Social Work, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  • Nolwazi Ngcobo School of Applied Human Sciences, Department of Social Work, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15270/50-4-389

Keywords:

economic, low-income, community, single mother, mother, livelihood, feminist, social network

Abstract

Women living in low-income communities often initiate livelihood activities as a means to support themselves and their families. Even though these small-scale livelihood activities supplement the household income, they are insufficient to lift single mothers out of poverty. This study explores the economic experiences of 25 single mothers who embarked on individual livelihood activities. Using feminist theory, the paper presents their biographical profile and discusses two key themes, namely institutional barriers leading to economic insecurities, and the strengths and limitations of social networks. The paper concludes with some considerations for harnessing the valuable contributions made by single mothers.

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Author Biographies

Tanusha Raniga, School of Applied Human Sciences, Department of Social Work, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Dr Tanusha Raniga, School of Applied Human Sciences, Department of Social Work, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Nolwazi Ngcobo, School of Applied Human Sciences, Department of Social Work, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Ms Nolwazi Ngcobo, School of Applied Human Sciences, Department of Social Work, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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Published

2014-11-05

How to Cite

Raniga, T., & Ngcobo, N. (2014). ECONOMIC EXPERIENCES OF SINGLE MOTHERS IN BHAMBAYI, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA. Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 50(4). https://doi.org/10.15270/50-4-389

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