The Influence of Perceived Economic Benefits on Single Parenting among Unmarried Mothers in Nigeria
Temitope J. Owolabi 
& Tendayi C. Garutsa
Issue: Vol.5 No.5 Issue Article 1 pp.564 -577
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2024551 | Published online 3rd May, 2024
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
This study, with a specific emphasis on the lived experiences of single mothers, explored the perceived economic advantages of single parenting among Nigerian single women. The study tackled the growing apprehensions over the financial difficulties encountered by families headed by single mothers, highlighting the growing number of low-income families in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. The study employed a combination of qualitative (Key Informant Interview) and quantitative (Survey) methods to investigate their viewpoints on the financial benefits of being a single parent. The theoretical framework explained the intricate relationship between socioeconomic issues and single parenting by integrating social exchange theory and rational adaptation theory. 450 respondents participated in the quantitative study, while 30 respondents were selected for the qualitative study. According to data collected, single mothers frequently enter into several partnerships to obtain a variety of financial support for both themselves and their children. The study emphasized asset accumulation and emotional benefits as ways that single mothers can reduce poverty in addition to financial rewards. The study further highlighted the significance of social protection frameworks and all-encompassing initiatives aimed at tackling the distinct obstacles encountered by single mothers, eventually promoting the welfare of mothers and their offspring in an emerging country such as Nigeria.
Keywords: Single Mothers, Economic Benefits, Low-income Families, Social Protection
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Temitope Owolabi (PhD) is a distinguished University Lecturer at the prestigious Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, where he imparts knowledge and fosters intellectual growth. With a stellar academic journey, he holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Sociology from the esteemed University of Lagos, Nigeria, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the eminent North-West University, South Africa; showcasing his commitment to education and research. Temitope’s research interests, focusing on Sociology of Work/Industrial Sociology, Gender, and Youth Studies, highlight his commitment to understanding and improving society.
Tendayi C. Garutsa (PhD) is an Associate Professor in the Sociology Department at North-West University, South Africa. She holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Fort Hare. Her commitment to social justice and gender issues is evident in her diverse research interests, spanning gender, social justice, and rural development, specifically in the realms of food security and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Throughout her academic positions she has actively contributed to the field. Noteworthy roles include National Research Funding Proposal Evaluator, and a post-doctoral fellowship under the Climate Impacts Research Capacity and Leadership Enhancement in Sub-Saharan Africa (CIRCLE) project. Recognized for her contributions, Garutsa has received various awards, including the Teaching and Excellence award and the Top Senior Lecturer Researcher Faculty of Humanities Award from North-West University in 2022. Her extensive list of published works in reputable journals reflects her commitment to advancing knowledge, particularly in areas like feminist pedagogical strategies, maternal healthcare experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of NGOs in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
Owolabi, Temitope J. & Tendayi C. Garutsa. “The Influence of Perceived Economic Benefits on Single Parenting among Unmarried Mothers in Nigeria,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 5, no.5 (2024): 564 -577. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2024551
© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
