Effects of single parenting on childcare: A case of single mothers in Masvingo urban, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This quantitative study sought to explore the effects of single parenting on childcare in Masvingo urban, Zimbabwe. The cross-sectional survey design was adopted in the study. A standardised questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. A sample of 47 single mothers residing in Masvingo urban was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics. Findings of the study revealed that single mothers were labelled as having loose morals and had suffered from a mental disorder at least once before. Single mothers were moving frequently in search of better-paying jobs and cheaper accommodation. This study further revealed that children raised by single mothers did not have behavioural problems but, however, had emotional problems. The study recommended that a comprehensive study covering a wider geographical area be done to enable generalisation of results to a wider population. The study further recommended that policies that support single mothers in their endeavours to support the children be enacted.

Keywords: Single mother, childcare, Masvingo.