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This article centers on the pronounced misogynistic discourses in Chinese cyberspace. Based on online observation of national debates that revolved around the feminist proposal of removing the marriage restriction on birth registration in an attempt to restore "real" reproductive rights to women and extend social welfare coverage to unwed mothers, this paper identifies the tripartite misogynistic forces from wives, wives-to-be, and wives-seeking lower-class men, who respectively weaponized the feudal DiShu system, defended the Caili (bride price) convention, and redirected disaffections of class exclusion and marriage squeeze towards women. By terming the three strands of antifeminist sentiments as "wifeism," the article points out that the upholding of the heteropatriarchal marriage institution is actualized at the cost of vilifying women indiscriminately, oversimplifying the complexity of unwed childbirths, and precluding the possibility of nonheterosexuality. The interpretation of such "wifeist" antifeminism should be contextualized in the gendered structure of power in post-socialist China, where the framework of Confucian ethics persists and gender essentialism is rejuvenated and celebrated. Crucially, given the plunging birth rate in China, the proposal itself serves as a tool to mitigate the shrinking workforce and ageing population as it serves as a wellbeing promoter and equality deliverer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grandparental support may protect mothers from depression, particularly mothers who separate and enter single parenthood. Using longitudinal Finnish register data on 116,917 separating and 371,703 non-separating mothers with young children, we examined differences in mothers' antidepressant purchases by grandparental characteristics related to provision of support. Grandparents' younger age (<70 years), employment, and lack of severe health problems predicted a lower probability of maternal depression. Depression was also less common if grandparents lived close to the mother and if the maternal grandparents' union was intact. Differences in maternal depression by grandparental characteristics were larger among separating than among non-separating mothers, particularly during the years before separation. Overall, maternal grandmothers' characteristics appeared to matter most, while the role of paternal grandparents was smaller. The findings suggest that grandparental characteristics associated with increased potential for providing support and decreased need of receiving support predict a lower likelihood of maternal depression, particularly among separating mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Israel has been greatly affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19), which the World Health Organization defined as a pandemic in March 2020. This study explored state anxiety, social support, work–family conflict, and happiness among mothers who are single by choice. This population's experiences have not been examined during crises such as a global pandemic. Using snowball sampling, we recruited 386 single mothers by choice to complete an online questionnaire. Correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship between income and state anxiety (r = −0.12, p < 0.05). Social support (r = −0.35, p < 0.01) and level of happiness (r = −0.58, p < 0.01) also had negative correlations with state anxiety. A positive and significant relationship was found between work–family conflict and state anxiety (r = 0.42, p < 0.01). Stepwise regression analysis showed that happiness explained 34% of the variance in state anxiety. Future studies could compare mothers in relationships and how single mothers by choice coped in other countries. This would shed light on state anxiety among mothers with varying relationship statuses and in differing locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how educational inequity and political violence exposed young single mothers in the Ethiopia town of Awaday to a distinct disadvantage. Adopting a case study design, a total of 50 single mothers were selected based on convenience sampling. Questionnaire, structured depth interview, and focus group discussion were used to collect data which were analyzed in descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Most of the participants were young, below 30, having 1–5 children, and school dropouts. The finding indicated political violence, which is directly or indirectly related to educational inequity and the social norm, is the fundamental factor for becoming single mothers. Almost all experience abject poverty, substance abuse, sexual violence, social stigma, adverse maternity health, and disorientation as to their future life. Their children are equally victims of the unjust system. The insignificant number of participants who managed to complete junior and secondary school education is in much better condition, which shows the huge negative impacts of educational inequity. While a complete overhaul of the violent and unjust socio-educational system of Ethiopia is decisive for durable change, vital short-term and middle-term policy and research implications of being single mothers in education and empowering them were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the influence of philosopher Richard Rorty on David Foster Wallace's short story "Incarnations of Burned Children." It discusses Rorty's belief in the contingency of truth and the power of metaphor, which is reflected in Wallace's story. The article also examines different interpretations of the story's ending and compares it to Thom Jones' "The Pugilist at Rest." Overall, the text provides insights into the themes and techniques used by these authors and philosophers. [Extracted from the article]

Single motherhood has been a contentious subject in Britain. Yet there remains a lack of research which focuses on the complex experiences of global majority single mothers based in England. Drawing on interview data from two studies, this article addresses this gap in analysing the experiences of three often stigmatised and misunderstood groups – African Caribbean, Bangladeshi and Pakistani women experiencing single motherhood. In this paper, we examine how their lived realities are varyingly shaped by gender, class, ethnicity, religion and culture and the challenges and opportunities this presents. We identify similarities and differences within their experiences and understand these in relation to their intersectional identities and social positioning. We highlight the constraints and distinctive pressures these mothers face, as well as their agency and resourcefulness. We argue for greater inclusion of and attention to these populations in research on single motherhood and a collective valuing of mothers’ care work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single parenting is a difficult thing to do. And when people talk about it, the first thing that comes to mind is a single mother. Masculinity is a term that is linked with men that corners their feelings in an idea that they should be strong. Only a few studies can be found that are focused on the well-being and challenges that a single father faces in childrearing. In this study, the researchers aim to explore about the single fathers' story specifically their lived experiences; (1) explore about single fathers' experiences (2) to know the challenges faced by Single fathers (3) identify the childrearing practices of Single fathers (4) discover the coping mechanisms that single fathers use to cope up with problems. Using a semi- structured interview guide, 3 participants will be interviewed for data gathering and using Thematic Analysis (TA) the study interprets the following: (1) the experiences of the participants shows that most of the Single fathers go through grief and self-neglect. The pressure of providing for their children also causes them to have sacrificial love for their children to the point of overworking for them and forgetting about the well-being of oneself (2) providing the children's need, sharing custody and time management is the most effective way for the participants to take care of their children (3) challenges such as financial, emotional well-being and lack of experience on being a single father are the most common trials that the participants faced (4) the coping mechanisms varies from person to person but the participants of the study cope up with challenges by means of alcoholism, social support and turning to God. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motherhood is glorified in history, literature, mythology and the media. Yet, despite the tenets of equality promised by the Constitution of India, the guardianship law upholds the rights of fathers, not mothers, as the natural guardians of minors. However, these rights are not absolute. This essay analyses the case law over decades, wherein single mothers have used their agency to knock on the courts' doors to claim their rights based on the principle of 'the best interests of the minor', and in the process have compelled the courts to interpret the law in such a way that mothers are appointed as the sole guardians of minor children while the claims of 'unfit' fathers are rejected. It also examines the parameters used by the courts to determine which parent is 'fit', the courts' reasoning behind this and how the process has led the courts to acknowledge diverse family forms. This suggests that the state needs to recognise the rights of single mothers as equal citizens and do away with the outdated concept of heterosexual families and the binary of legitimate versus illegitimate child. The law needs to conceive reform alongside changing socio-legal and technological advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though network scholars long have observed that people experience high rates of network turnover, theorization on how ties dissolve has lagged behind, with natural tie decay dominating as the primary explanation. Many deviants face stigma and become social pariahs from communities of origin, yet current network theories struggle to explain how such processes of network dissolution occur. Using interviews conducted with Korean unwed mothers, a highly stigmatized and hard-to-reach population, this study shows that shared culture in networks—norms, expectations, and meanings—plays a key role in how people navigate stigma in their networks. I demonstrate that tie severance requires work : relational work that matches network-specific culture. I propose a typology of tie severance processes along two dimensions, actor and motive, and identify associated relational work for each type. This study shows that macro-level cultural values are adapted to each network and (re)interpreted before relational work can be engaged to manage social relations. • Explores how tie severance occurs beyond natural tie decay. • Stigmatized alters engage relational work throughout the tie severance process. • Case study of a hard-to-reach population, Korean unwed mothers. • Proposes a tie severance typology along two axes, actor and motive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Health-promoting behaviors (HPB) play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing overall well-being. Single mothers are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and less involvement in HPB due to psychosocial disadvantages. Objective: This study aimed to determine the HPB scores and factors influencing HPB among single mothers in Kelantan (Northeastern, Malaysia). Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design, selecting 242 single mothers from Kelantan through proportional stratified sampling. Data were gathered through questionnaires covering sociodemographic details, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II), the Malay Version of Health Beliefs Related to Cardiovascular Disease (HBCVD-M), and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support (MPSS). The relationships between the dependent variable (HPB) and independent variables were analyzed using multivariable linear regression models. Results: The respondents achieved an average HPB score of 118.03 (SD = 19.2), with the highest mean scores in spiritual growth (22.46 [SD = 3.70]) and interpersonal relationships (22.05 [SD = 3.67]). Physical activity had the lowest mean score at 15.09 (SD = 4.62). Significant positive associations were found between HPB and perceived severity of CVD (adjusted β = 1.60; 95% CI [0.68–2.53]; p < 0.001) as well as perceived social support (adjusted β = 0.63; 95% CI [0.37–0.90]; p < 0.001). Conversely, educational level (adjusted β = −10.36; 95% CI [−16.06 to −4.67]; p < 0.001) and perceived benefits of reducing CVD risk (adjusted β = −1.43; 95% CI [−2.37 to −0.48]; p < 0.001) were negatively associated with HPB. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of health beliefs, social support, and education in shaping HPB among single mothers. Community health initiatives targeting this population should develop strategies to strengthen individuals' health beliefs and promote a supportive environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Case for Single Motherhood: Contemporary Maternal Identities and Family Formations" by Katherine E. Mack explores the rhetoric and legitimizing strategies of elective single mothers (ESMs) and choice moms (CMs). The book analyzes self-sponsored texts such as guidebooks, memoirs, and blogs written by the CM community to illustrate how they legitimize themselves through neoliberal ideologies of choice, autonomy, and independence. Mack argues that CMs should focus less on legitimacy and more on cultivating an assumptive maternal stance that challenges dominant norms. The book also examines the interconnected relationship between genre and legitimacy rhetoric. Overall, the book provides insights into the complexities of single motherhood and offers a way forward for alternative maternal identities and family formations. [Extracted from the article]

STUDY QUESTION Do the mothers of twins and singletons differ regarding post-partum and old-age mortality? SUMMARY ANSWER Twin deliveries were associated with higher post-partum maternal mortality than singleton deliveries, but the lifetime post-partum mortality risk was similar for mothers of twins and singletons; survival of twinners was higher than survival of the mothers of singletons after the 67th lifespan percentile. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Twinning is typically associated with higher post-partum maternal mortality. The evidence about whether twinning incurs long-term survival costs of reproduction or is a trait pertinent to long-lived women is scarce and contradictory. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study is based on the data of the Estonian Family Register (operating from 1926 to 1943) and involves 5565 mothers of twins and 119 613 mothers of singletons born between 1850 and 1899. The subset for comparing maternal lifespans included 1703–1884 mothers of twins and 19 747–36 690 mothers of singletons. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Post-partum maternal mortality was analyzed in the whole sample (including mothers of a single child) by logistic regression. Most of the analyses were performed in samples where each mother of twins was matched against mothers of singletons based on parity (or number of deliveries), urban versus rural and inland versus coastal origin, whether their lifespan was known, date of birth and age at first birth. Lifespans were compared in linear mixed models. Quantile regression was used to analyze age-dependent variations in maternal mortality rates. All models were adjusted for relevant biodemographic covariates. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The twinning rate in the whole sample was 4.4%. During the year after giving birth, maternal mortality for twin deliveries was 0.75% (17/2273) and 0.37% (449/122 750) for singleton deliveries (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.21–3.23). However, the lifetime post-partum mortality risk for mothers of twins (0.51%; 28/5557) and singletons (0.37%; 438/119 466) did not differ significantly (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 0.91–1.98). The life spans of the mothers of twins and singletons did not differ in matched samples. Past the 67th lifespan percentile, the odds of survival were significantly higher for mothers of twins than mothers of singletons, as indicated by non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Relatively low number of individuals (22 802–28 335) with known age at death in matched datasets due to discontinuation of the register after 1943. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The finding that mothers of twins had higher odds of old-age survival than mothers of singletons is consistent with the contention that twinners represent a non-random subset of women whose robust phenotypic quality allows them to outlive the mothers of singletons in old age. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was funded by the Estonian Research Council grants PRG1137, PRG2248, and PSG669. The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, single mothers have experienced increasing work requirements both in the UK and in other developed countries. Our aim was to examine if increasing job hours are associated with mental health of single mothers compared to partnered mothers. Using 13 waves of the Understanding Society Survey (2009–2023), we estimated the relationship between changing job hours and mental health using difference‐in‐difference event study design, accounting for differential treatment effects across time and individuals. We also investigated the role of potential mechanisms, including role strain and additional income. Our findings suggest that increasing job hours from part‐time to full‐time is associated with an instantaneous decrease in mental health of 0.19 standard deviations for single mothers [95% CI: −0.37;−0.01], with no effect for partnered mothers. Further analyses suggest increased role strain for single mothers as a mechanism helping explain these differences. The negative effects of increasing job hours and increased role strain should be considered when developing future welfare policies for single mothers, to ensure that greater work requirements do not undermine the mental health of the already vulnerable population group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the inheritance pattern and clinical variability of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) in a family with two affected siblings. Materials and Methods: Two sisters diagnosed at birth with bilateral PCG, whose father had bilateral PCG and mother had bilateral microphthalmus, were subjected to a familial genetic study and ophthalmologic follow-up including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, and collection of biometric and cup-to-disc ratio data. Results: The inheritance pattern was autosomal recessive in compound heterozygosis. The sisters were found to be carriers of three pathogenic allele variants of the CYP1B1 gene: c.317C>A (p.Ala106Asp) and c.1345delG (p.Asp449MetfsTer8) in one patient (10 years) and c.1345delG (p.Asp449MetfsTer8) and c.202_209delCAGGCGGC (p.Gln68Serfs153Ter) in her older sister (12 years). Surgical histories included: three goniotomies and two Ahmed valves in each eye, and two trabeculectomies and a pupilloplasty in the right eye in the 10-year old; and one goniotomy, trabeculectomy and three Ahmed valves in each eye in the older sister. Currently, both sisters have a controlled intraocular pressure of 18–20 mmHg in both eyes. The father is blind in both eyes and carries two variants c.317C>A (p.Ala106Asp) and c.202_209delCAGGCGGC (p.Gln68Serfs153Ter). The mother with a single variant c.1345delG (p.Asp440MetfsTer8) has a prosthetic right eye and microphthalmus left eye. Conclusions: The sisters were found to show two different allelic CYP1B1 variants (compound heterozygosis) with different repercussions on the clinical severity of PCG. These findings highlight the importance of genetic screening of affected families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, B40 single mothers had difficult time raising their children alone without the help and support from her husband. However, the situation got worse when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the lives of B40 single mothers abruptly, especially economically. The majority of B40 single mothers have lost a source of income due to the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO). A qualitative study has been conducted to explore the economic challenges faced by B40 single mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The informants of this study were selected based on purposive sampling with inclusive criteria such as working single mother, belonged to the B40 income category, had children who are still in school and became single mother due to divorce or death of husbands. The study has used the focus group discussion (FGD) as a data collection method. This focused group discussion has involved 20 B40 single mothers in Selangor who have subsequently been split into several smaller groups. The group discussions discovered three sub-themes of the economic challenges that B40 single mothers experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic which are business closure, salary cuts and no emergency savings. The findings can be used as a reference for the future research or can be used by specific organisations to evaluate the mental health of B40 single mothers during the global crisis due to the economic challenges that they faced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollinating fig wasps are believed to adjust their sex ratios according to standard local mate competition (LMC) theory.Standard LMC theory assumes that all mothers ovipositing in a patch or fig does so simultaneously. However, it has been shown that fig wasps can oviposit sequentially.We counted the number of figs containing dead and living mothers in figs where mothers entered naturally to estimate the incidence of sequential and simultaneous oviposition.Single mothers were the norm in two wasp species, and multiple mothers the norm in the other two. However, contrary to LMC theory, in all four species, when multiple mothers occurred, sequential oviposition seems to occur more frequently than simultaneous oviposition.The sex allocation problem fig wasp mothers face is thus more complicated than the widely assumed simultaneous ovipositing situation, and it leads to several expectations. Single mother's sex ratios should increase as the probability of additional mothers increases. Naturally founded multi‐mother figs should have more female‐biased sex ratios than the standard LMC model predicts for the final number of mothers. This is because early‐arriving mothers underestimate the number of mothers and lay more daughters than the final number of mothers would require and later‐arriving mothers can lay fewer sons to be competitive against the first mothers' too female‐biased clutches.Mothers must produce sex ratios that are optimised across a probabilistic range of foundress densities they experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to parenthood has long been viewed as a period of change in new parents' romantic relationships. However, this research has largely focused on changes in relationship quality, generally overlooking changes in relationship status (e.g., ending or entering a relationship during this period). To address this gap, we explored patterns and predictors of relationship dissolution and relationship formation during the early postpartum period among a sample of first-time Black mothers. A community sample of mothers living with low incomes (N = 212; 10% married; 85% enrolled in Medicaid) reported on their relationship status and other characteristics at 1, 8, and 16 weeks postpartum. Among mothers who were in a relationship at 1 week postpartum (N = 126), 20% of these relationships ended by Week 8 or 16. Mothers whose relationships ended reported lower relationship functioning at Week 1 than mothers whose relationships remained intact. Among mothers who were single at 1 week postpartum (N = 86), over 50% subsequently reported being in a relationship at Week 8 or 16. Mothers who started relationships reported lower overall social support at Week 1 relative to mothers who remained single. Together, these findings indicate that changes in relationship status during the early postpartum period were common and provide initial insights into factors characterizing mothers who experienced relationship transitions. Future work would benefit from considering changes in relationship status as well as other relational changes during the transition to parenthood to reflect a wider range of experiences among new parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst discourses of motherhood, such as the 'ethic of care' and intensive parenting are powerful and persuasive, no form of motherhood can be acceptable to all. In this visual autoethnography, researcher generated photographs, excerpts from training logs and personal narrative texts are used to explore some of the underlying discourses and assumptions associated with motherhood and sport from the perspective of a single parent. Employing a poststructural lens the author explores the ways in which she has knowingly negotiated her identity as a single mother and competitive-recreational long distant triathlete. The research places a spotlight on the significant support role that children can play in relation to adult involvement in sport, turning the tables on the existing focus on parent-athlete relationships. The findings provide further evidence of the value of sports clubs in supporting the continued participation of mothers, adding to the research on sport and parenthood and family studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African immigrants comprise an increasing proportion of Canada's immigrant population and face myriad challenges upon arrival. There are few studies that examine the experiences of African single-parents and their struggles as they try to integrate into Canadian society with their children. This qualitative study sought to highlight the experiences of single mothers and their children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 15 participants comprising eight children and seven mothers. Demographic questionnaires were used to gather background information about each participant. Some of the challenges the mothers experienced included lack of recognition of their foreign educational credentials and work experience, under-employment, financial insecurity, and lack of mental health support networks in Canada. The participants' sources of support included immigrant settlement agencies, schools, government subsidies, faith communities, and their extended family members outside of Canada. The data demonstrate a need to ensure expeditious assessment, and where warranted, recognition of immigrants' foreign educational and work experience to facilitate access to their professional careers. There is also a need to establish culturally responsive supports to foster the wellbeing of immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

America's juvenile justice system was founded on the notion that the juvenile court would serve as the "ultimate parent" for youth. Yet, the history of youth punishment challenges the promise of juvenile "justice." To offer a more comprehensive account of the family systems in juvenile court, this study draws from the insights of historical research on youth punishment and family criminalization to examine juvenile court outcomes in Arizona. Combining a historical lens with insights from attribution theory, we use quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the relationship between diverse family systems, including single mothers, single fathers, extended families, and foster care families, and juvenile court outcomes (i.e., diversion, preadjudication detention, petition, and judicial dismissal). Our findings suggest the need for more complex understandings of both family and punishment, and more expansive theorizations of the sorts of solutions that match the scope and scale of the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the matriarchal Minangkabau community of West Sumatra, women's roles are often downplayed despite their substantial engagement in both public and private life. This study aimed to uncover the unique value system embraced by Minangkabau women, particularly their resilience and exemplary practices that contribute to local sustainable development. Women's mental well-being is closely tied to global sustainable development goals, spanning education, non-communicable disease reduction, and social protection. Poverty-induced depression is common among widowed women worldwide, underscoring the need to explore how Minangkabau women respond to contemporary challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic hardships. Resilience, a central theme, is shaped by spiritual and environmental factors, fostering overall well-being. The "saparuik" family in Minangkabau society strengthens familial bonds and plays a pivotal role in nurturing resilience. The matrilineal kinship structure offers social security to families, but its impact on women's resilience amid modern challenges requires further investigation. This study employed qualitative methods, specifically a case study design, to examine women's experiences in rural areas (Padang Pariaman Regency) and urban settings (Padang City). Interviews with these women revealed a common thread despite their diverse backgrounds. While the Minangkabau matriarchal system may limit women's influence within the family's "saparuik," women consistently embody strong matriarchal ideals when facing adversity. This research enhances our understanding of gender roles in matriarchal systems and underscores women's crucial contributions to broader sustainable development. Minangkabau women's resilience serves as a testament to their resilience and their ability to address contemporary challenges, making significant strides toward achieving sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective marginal tax rates are of interest to policymakers due to the concern that high rates lead to disincentives to work, particularly for secondary earners in couple families and single parents who pay personal income tax and lose government welfare payments as their private income increases. Hypothetical models of the tax and welfare system demonstrate the possibility of high effective marginal tax rates particularly for secondary earners in lower income families where personal income tax intersects with the loss of means‐tested welfare payment. This paper estimates effective marginal tax rates across the whole working‐age population, rather than for hypothetical families, using a microsimulation model based on a nationally representative sample of Australians. These distributional estimates suggest that high and very high effective marginal tax rates are relatively rare and that most persons of a working‐age face rates that are relatively modest. The paper extends previous work on distributional effective marginal tax rates to include the impact of formal childcare and the higher education loan program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A woman's health and well-being during the perinatal period significantly influence the course of pregnancy and childbirth, impacting not only the family's health but also the well-being of the next generation. Modern societies prioritize special care for women in challenging life situations during this period. Women residing in Single Mother's Homes (SMH) encounter various issues such as loneliness, homelessness, lack of livelihood, and insufficient support from loved ones. Despite these challenges, there is currently no research on how this particular group of women presents itself in terms of health behaviors, selected health parameters, utilization of perinatal care, as well as self-esteem, and a sense of meaning in life. Materials and methods: The study spanned from August 1, 2019, to September 30, 2021, involving 67 women living in SMH as the control group and 73 women attending obstetrics-gynecology clinics for follow-up. It constituted a retrospective analysis of medical records, employing diagnostic surveys with standardized research tools, including the positive health behavior scale (PHBS) for women, multifactor leadership questionnaire (MLQ), Rosenberg self-assessment scale, self-report survey questionnaire, and face-to-face interviews. Results: There were no differences in the analyzed parameters of the health status of the women studied. Among SMH and home environment women, the most common cause of abnormal morphology results was anemia, occurring in 26.9% of SMH women and 11.0% of home environment women. Self-assessment of one's health was better among women in the control group, although the difference was close to the threshold of statistical significance. Health behaviors examined with the PHBS showed better results for women in the control group in the categories of nutrition, body care, safety behavior, and psychosocial health; only in the category of physical activity did women from both groups have similar results (p = 0.162). Women in the SMH were more likely to exhibit negative health behaviors, with 6% admitting to drinking alcohol before pregnancy and 3% of the study group and no women in the control group using drugs. There were no differences between the groups when it came to addictions during pregnancy, but not all women surveyed were willing to answer the question about addictions. Women in the SMH were later to receive perinatal care, averaging 10.84 weeks of pregnancy (hbd. grav.) compared to women in the home environment, averaging 8.25 WG. The study confirmed the lower self-esteem of women in the SMH, with a mean score of 27.73 compared to 31.23 of women in the control group. Sense of life concerning the present (MLQ-P) was lower in women in SMH, while the sense of life concerning the future was close to the threshold of significance. No correlation was confirmed between the subjects' health behaviors and their health status parameters, as well as neonatal weight and Apgar scale scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The continuous advancement of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the evolving attitudes towards marriage and fertility among the general public have led to an increasing number of groups requiring special attention (GRSA) desiring to fulfill their reproductive needs through these technologies. These groups include single women (including single mothers without children), same-sex couples, and women in high-risk occupations, among others. The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of appropriately liberalizing ART for GRSA. Methods: This paper discusses the advantages of a moderate liberalization of ART for GRSA from two perspectives: a theoretical basis and a practical significance level. It also analyzes the current constraints on liberalizing ART and presents suggestions for moderate liberalization. Results: The moderate liberalization of ART can provide technical support for respecting and realizing the reproductive freedom of GRSA, which has certain theoretical and practical significance. However, it is also subject to constraints. Conclusion: We call for government to keep pace with the times, based on the current stage of political, economic, and social development, to further recognize and protect citizens' reproductive rights, prioritize the practical needs of the public, and explore policies and regulations for gradually loosening the restrictions on ART for GRSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is essential to focus on the variables that can empower mothers of single-parent students. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of self-healing training on perfectionism and frustration tolerance in mothers of single-parent students. The statistical population included all divorced mothers of elementary school students within the 2020–21 academic year. Sampling was performed in two stages, the first of which was multistage cluster sampling, whereas the second stage was purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study sample (n = 40) was divided into two groups of 20 (control and experimental). This quasi-experimental research adopted a pretest-posttest control group design with follow-up. The experimental group was trained in the self-healing protocol for fourteen weekly 90-minute sessions. The repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS-26 was then used for data analysis. The mean ± SD of perfectionism in the self-healing and control groups in the posttest was 67.75 ± 11.84 and 106.05 ± 22.01. Moreover, in the posttest stage, the mean ± SD of frustration tolerance in the intervention and control groups was 78.60 ± 7.93 and 99.45 ± 9.36, respectively. According to findings, self-healing training significantly affected the components of perfectionism including personal standards, concern over mistakes, and parental criticism. It also had significant effects on the components of frustration tolerance including discomfort intolerance, emotional intolerance, and achievement made by single mothers of students. The results were stable over time. However, self-healing training had no significant effects on perfectionism entitlement and subscales of frustration tolerance including discipline and organization, doubt about actions, and parental expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Social welfare scholarship has not paid adequate attention to the phenomenon of single-parent women in Asia, especially in terms of their economic and social vulnerabilities. This study aims to explore the strategies employed by women who are single parents to secure their families from socioeconomic issues. It also delves into the experiences and viewpoints of families regarding the social institutions they turn to for assistance during times of hardship – whether it be the state, market, or informal networks. Design/methodology/approach: The data were collected through 33 semi-structured interviews, with informants selected using the purposive sampling technique in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia, from February 2023 to July 2023. This number was obtained based on informants who were included in the criteria the researchers determined, which included "being a female single parent" and "being over the age of 17," which is the minimum age for Indonesians to marry. Others included "having dependents to support, be they children and/or the respondent's family" and occupying the main role as "household head" – all of which defined whether someone belongs to the "vulnerable group." Findings: The study highlights the significance of informal support for single mothers facing economic hardship. Still, overreliance on it can lead to concerns about the sustainability of the everyday social safety net they receive. Social exclusion is also problematic due to societal assumptions about divorce and widowhood. The last highlight is how 'deskilling' among single parents has complicated the challenges women face to re-enter the workforce. Originality/value: This study's outcomes provide crucial insights into analyzing the patterns of single-parent families in Indonesia and serve as a framework for further research on the resilience of single parents in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malnutrition of children under 5 years of age is persistent in Cameroon principally in rural areas. Moreover, there is limited knowledge of coexisting forms of malnutrition (CFM) among children of this age. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CFM in a cohort of children under 5 years and to identify the associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Health Districts of the locality of Dschang in the West region of Cameroon between June 2021 to November 2021. Data were collected from 200 under-five children of both sexes and an interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to consented children's mothers/guardians. Malnutrition in children was assessed by WHO growth standards (weight-for-height, weight-for-age, height-for-age and body mass index-for-age). The different CFM were defined by the presence of two autonomous forms of malnutrition in the same child. Logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated to different coexisting forms of malnutrition. Results: The results obtained showed prevalences of 4.20% for the coexistence of underweight with wasting, 7.8% for the coexistence of underweight with stunting and 14.8% for the coexistence of stunting with overweight. Lower maternal age (15–24 years old; OR = 0.09; p = 0.05) and lower education level (primary education, OR = 23.33; p = 0.00) were associated with the coexistence of underweight with wasting. Marital status (single mother, OR = 0.28; p = 0.00) was associated to the coexistence of stunting with overweight/obesity. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide evidence on the coexistence of different forms of malnutrition among children below five years of age in rural area of Cameroon. These finding would guide future research, policies, and programs on the management of malnutrition in rural areas of Cameroon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Custodial mothers experience high rates of poverty and income volatility in the United States. Emerging evidence suggests that the regularity of child support is positively associated with the regularity of family income and ability to meet basic needs. However, we know little about how child support regularity matters for mothers' employment. In this study, we examine the associations between child support regularity and custodial mothers' employment in a nationally representative US sample covering 1997–2019. We find that regular child support receipt, versus no receipt, is associated with increases in part-time employment and decreases in full-time employment but find no associations with annual weeks worked or earnings. Among employed mothers, we also find increases in job stability within the year. We find some heterogeneity in these associations by maternal education and age of youngest child. Our findings suggest that child support regularity might support mothers' stable part-time employment without compromising earnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"My Life in History" is a personal account of the author's journey into the field of history, inspired by their grandmother's stories of their family's past. Despite facing challenges in their education, the author obtained a Bachelor of Arts in social work and history from the University of Melbourne. They overcame gender biases and limited opportunities in academia to earn a PhD and have a successful career in teaching and research. The author's work focuses on topics such as single motherhood, institutional abuse, and welfare history in Australia. They emphasize their collaboration with service users and survivors, as well as their involvement in digital history and public spaces. The author expresses gratitude towards their mentors, colleagues, and the individuals whose stories they have documented. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: The main impetus of the current paper is to identify and prioritize the work–family balance (WFB) satisfaction attributes specifically for working sole mothers' by deploying the Kano technique and weighted average method. Design/methodology/approach: A multi-stage methodology has been used in the present analysis. Initially, the Kano method has been utilized to categorize the WFB satisfaction attributes using a three-dimensional WFB satisfaction scale. Afterward, the satisfaction coefficient technique was employed on Kano outcomes to get the WFB satisfaction and dissatisfaction index. Subsequently, the weighted average method was employed to prioritize the WFB satisfaction attributes. Findings: Findings uncovered the significance of a non-linear association between WFB attributes and employed sole mothers' WFB satisfaction. The findings revealed that one-dimensional and must-be-based WFB satisfaction attributes are responsible for sole mothers' WFB satisfaction and employing organizations must not overlook them. Additionally, the results of weighted average method-based prioritization can help organizations to focus on particular WFB satisfaction criteria according to their priority level. Research limitations/implications: The findings are useful for WFB policy-makers and managers to formulate a suitable WFB strategy specifically for single mothers. Social implications: Results provide a path for employers to minimize the work–family role conflict and societal dissatisfaction that helps sole mothers to attain the desired WFB. Originality/value: This study first employed a novel approach that incorporates the Kano application with the weighted average method in order to prioritize the WFB satisfaction attributes for lone mothers. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0074 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies the impact of increasing post-childbirth work incentives on mothers' long-run careers. We exploit variation in work incentives across mothers based on the timing of a first birth and eligibility for the 1993 expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit. Ten to nineteen years after a first birth, single mothers who were exposed to the expansion immediately after birth ("early"), rather than 3–6 years later ("late"), have 0.62 more years of work experience and 4.2 percent higher earnings conditional on working. We show that higher earnings are primarily explained by improved wages due to greater work experience. (JEL H24, H31, J16, J22, J31) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in Malaysia to examine the effectiveness of the microfinance programme for urban single mother entrepreneurs in MSMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO). Implemented as a response to the pandemic, the MCO significantly disrupted businesses, particularly MSMEs. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between empowerment factors (economic, social, digital, and psychological) and governance aspects concerning the effectiveness of microfinance programmes. Using a positivist paradigm and employing quantitative methods through online questionnaire distribution, this research established a framework based on empowerment theory. The findings underscore the importance of economic empowerment, digital empowerment, and governance aspects for microfinance programme success, and provide empirical backing for suitable mitigation strategies for MSME entrepreneurs. The study emphasises the importance of supporting single mother entrepreneurs through various developmental activities, technical and vocational training, and comprehensive financial and non-financial aid initiatives. It stresses the critical role of women, particularly single mothers, in propelling societal and economic advancement, and advocating for their empowerment through targeted interventions. Overall, the findings enhance understanding of the challenges MSMEs face during crises, and offer insights for policymakers and microfinance agencies to strengthen support for single mother entrepreneurs in navigating future challenges and fostering economic resilience and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic circumstances in which children grow up have garnered much scholarly attention due to their close associations with well-being over the life course. While it has been well-documented that children are increasingly growing up in households where their primary financial support comes from their mother, regardless of whether she is partnered or single, the consequences for household economic well-being are unclear. We use the 2014 Survey of Income and Program Participation to quantify how a mother's transition into primary earner status affects the economic well-being of her household and if the effects differ based on her relationship status. On average, household income declines and more households are unable to meet their economic needs once the mother becomes the primary earner. However, these declines in income are concentrated among partnered-mother households and mothers who transition from partnered to single during the year. At the same time, although many single mothers see an increase in household income, the majority of these households are still unable to meet their economic needs. These findings suggest that the shift to a welfare system that requires employment coupled with structural changes in the labor market have created financial hardship for most families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few social policies provide financial support to parents whose children are transitioning to adulthood. The earned income tax credit (EITC) is one exception. Parents with children between 18 and 24 years old who are enrolled in school full-time can claim their children for the EITC on their tax returns. Yet, scholars have largely overlooked how families access and use the EITC when they have adult children. Drawing on 30 interviews with low-to-moderate-income single mothers, primarily women of color, I illustrate how neoliberal socio-cultural values of independence, self-sufficiency, and responsibility dominate the mothers' decisions regarding tax filing and tax refund allocations. Some mothers forego claiming their adult child for EITC and encourage their child to "claim themselves" to foster independence and responsibility. Their child receiving a tax refund also gave mothers an opportunity to observe their child's financial responsibility. Other mothers balanced fostering independence with the family's financial needs by explaining to their child that as a parent they would receive a larger tax refund if they claimed them but wanted their child to decide how to file their tax returns. Still, some mothers who could not claim their adult child for the EITC due to the school attendance requirements felt the policy did not respond to the financial responsibilities they had to their children, who navigated harsh economic circumstances produced under neoliberalism. Given neoliberalism's influence on socio-cultural values and public policy, reforms that center the socialization goals and financial needs of economic and racially marginalized families are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proportion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/food stamps-participating households with children with no reported cash income increased from 5 to 15% from 1997 to 2019. In this article, we examine the relationship between changes in state cash assistance coverage under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the probability a SNAP-participating household with children reports no cash income. Using household-level data from the SNAP/food stamps Quality Control system (1996–2019; n = 491,059) merged with state-year data including measures of cash assistance coverage (ratio of families receiving aid to families in poverty and families receiving aid to single mother households below poverty), we estimated a set of logit models of the probability that households with children participating in SNAP reported no cash income. We found that higher levels of state TANF cash assistance coverage were associated with a reduced probability of households reporting no cash income and that this relationship was particularly focused in single-parent households, precisely those most affected by the changes in traditional cash welfare enacted in the mid-1990s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 25 years, the Government of Quebec (Canada) has introduced a number of relatively novel policies aimed at fighting poverty such as the Universal Child Care Program (UCCP) in 1997 and the Quebec Parental Insurance Program (QPIP) in 2006. Since its inception, the QPIP has provided a means‐tested supplementary benefits scheme for disadvantaged households. The scheme yields a well‐defined kink in the benefits schedule with respect to two entirely exogenous criteria. Using the QPIP administrative data files from 2006 to 2017, we estimate the causal impact of the supplemental benefits on leave duration and participation of poor households within a sharp Regression Kink Design (RKD) approach. Our results indicate that single mothers are relatively responsive to additional benefits. Conversely, partnered mothers are not found to respond to the supplemental benefits, irrespective of fathers' own participation in the parental leave. The Canadian government is currently considering introducing a similar parental leave program. Our results may prove useful for the design of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Health-promoting behaviors (HPB) play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing overall well-being. Single mothers are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and less involvement in HPB due to psychosocial disadvantages. Objective This study aimed to determine the HPB scores and factors influencing HPB among single mothers in Kelantan (Northeastern, Malaysia). Methods This study employed a cross-sectional design, selecting 242 single mothers from Kelantan through proportional stratified sampling. Data were gathered through questionnaires covering sociodemographic details, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II), the Malay Version of Health Beliefs Related to Cardiovascular Disease (HBCVD-M), and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support (MPSS). The relationships between the dependent variable (HPB) and independent variables were analyzed using multivariable linear regression models. Results The respondents achieved an average HPB score of 118.03 (SD = 19.2), with the highest mean scores in spiritual growth (22.46 [SD = 3.70]) and interpersonal relationships (22.05 [SD = 3.67]). Physical activity had the lowest mean score at 15.09 (SD = 4.62). Significant positive associations were found between HPB and perceived severity of CVD (adjusted β = 1.60; 95% CI [0.68–2.53]; p