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AbstractThis study evaluates the lived experiences of single mothers involved in informal trading in the high density suburb of Mabvuku at the height of Covid-19 induced lockdowns. Using a mixed methodology with a slant towards qualitative enquiry, the study employed focus group discussions, document analysis as well as a questionnaire. Researchers studied the environment in its natural settings and interpreted phenomena in terms of the meaning single mothers expressed in the study. An interpretive philosophy was the main anchor to the study; hence purposive sampling was used to select single mothers involved in informal trade as participants. The main objectives of the study were to determine the resilience of single mother informal traders during the Covid-19 era; analyse the socio-economic challenges faced by the single mothers in informal trade during the Covid-19 era and to explore the intervention strategies available to address challenges faced by unemployed single mothers in the Covid-19 context. Findings were analysed qualitatively through data reduction and conclusion drawing where verification of irregularities, patterns, explanations and propositions were emphasised. Quantitative aspects elicited through a questionnaire distributed to hundred single mothers were presented in tables enriched by descriptive narratives. The questionnaire profiled the demographic characteristics of respondents and type of business operated by the single mothers in the study. Overall, the study foregrounds that the introduction of lockdown restrictive measures dealt a major blow to the single mothers trading enterprises leaving most of them out of business. Whilst there were some elements of resilience and recovery, the majority of single mothers failed to cope with the strenuous environment under Covid-19.

Introduction: Adolescent children raised in single-mother households, particularly those living in poverty, often need to assume more instrumental and emotional familial responsibilities to cope with family challenges. Method: This study examined the relationships between these filial responsibilities and adolescent psychological wellbeing, as well as the moderating effect of maternal warmth on these relationships via survey. The sample comprised 325 Chinese adolescent children (43.3% girls; Mage = 13.5) from economically disadvantaged single-mother families in Hong Kong. Results: The results indicated that adolescents' instrumental filial responsibilities were positively associated with their life satisfaction. Emotional filial responsibilities, on the other hand, were positively linked to life satisfaction and negatively associated with depression. Furthermore, maternal warmth was found to moderate the relationship between emotional filial responsibilities and life satisfaction. Adolescents who perceived higher levels of maternal warmth and performed more emotional filial responsibilities reported greater life satisfaction than those who performed fewer such responsibilities. Furthermore, the moderating effect of maternal warmth on the relationship between instrumental filial responsibilities and life satisfaction varied between boys and girls. Additionally, the age of the adolescent moderated the effect of maternal warmth on the relationship between emotional filial responsibilities and adolescent anxiety. Discussion: These findings suggest that filial responsibilities do not necessarily impede adolescent wellbeing. Instead, maternal warmth appears to be a crucial family factor that influences the nature of the relationship between filial responsibilities and adolescent wellbeing. These insights are valuable for family scholars and practitioners, informing the design of supportive services to enhance the psychological wellbeing of Chinese adolescents from economically disadvantaged single-mother families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1994 an estimated 800,000 people of Rwanda, the majority Tutsi, were murdered in a state-sponsored genocide. Women suffered disproportionately. When the genocide ended, more than 70 percent of the Rwandan population was female and 50 percent of all households were headed by women. Despite their woundedness, women stepped up to rebuild a new Rwanda in which gender equality and women's rights were negotiated. The government of Rwanda recognized their efforts and used the international agreements of the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals to integrate gender equality and women's rights into its Vision 2020 strategy. Questions arise about how these rights have been implemented and translated into day-to-day lives of ordinary Rwandans, specifically women. This paper presents the results of a qualitative pilot study that sought to explore how Rwandans understand women's rights and their implementation at the community level. A total of 37 women and men (32 and 5 respectively) contributed to focus groups and individual interview data. The findings indicate that women possess capacities to spearhead socioeconomic projects when they have strong and supportive social networks, modern infrastructure with accessible technology, and good governance. Rwandan women are also a heterogenous group with varying needs. Gender diverse women, such as poor single mothers and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons may need specific laws and policies to protect their rights as marginalized groups. The support and role modeling of other women may specifically be useful with rural women to overcome intersecting and persistent inequities. Implications for each of these findings are discussed for policy, research, and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the roles of neighborhood social cohesion, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and parenting stress in early childhood on child behavioral outcomes in middle childhood and adolescence among socioeconomically disadvantaged Black families. To test a model linking perceptions of neighborhood social cohesion, single mothers' parenting stress, ACEs, and behavior problems in middle childhood and adolescence. We used four waves of longitudinal data from a subsample of 800 unmarried Black mothers and their children (at child birth and ages 3, 5, 9, and 15) from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a nationally representative data set. Structural equation modeling with latent variables was used to measure direct and indirect effects. Mothers' perceptions of neighborhood social cohesion were significantly and negatively associated parenting stress (β = −0.34, p < 0.05); parenting stress was significantly and positively related to adverse childhood experiences (β = 0.40, p < 0.05) and behavior problems (β = 0.32, p < 0.05); Adverse childhood experiences were significantly and positively related to behavior problems (β = 0.26, p < 0.05); and behavior problems were indirectly influenced by neighborhood social cohesion through adverse childhood experiences (β = −0.14, p < 0.05) and parenting stress (β = 0.10, p < 0.05). Neighborhood factors may play a significant role in parenting stress, adverse childhood experiences in early childhood, and children's behavior problems in middle childhood and adolescence among some single mothers and children in economically and socially disadvantaged Black families. Interventions that enhance neighborhood social cohesion and foster supportive interactions among community members and organizations are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate whether social investment (SI) policies improve employment among single mothers. Design/methodology/approach: This paper analyzes the potential effects of SI policies on vulnerable individuals and workers at the macro level by using the employment position of single mothers as a dependent variable. Time-series cross-national data from 18 OECD countries between 1998 and 2017 are analyzed. Multilevel model analysis is also used for robustness check. Findings: I find that public spending on education and family support is positively associated with the employment rates of single mothers. In contrast, active labor market policy (ALMP) spending is negatively associated. ALMP's negative effects stand out particularly with public spending on job training. Of all family support policies, family allowances are positively associated with single mothers' employment, which runs counter to the conventional argument that family allowances are a disincentive for women's or mothers' employment. Paid leave (length and generosity) is also associated with higher employment for single mothers. There is also some tentative evidence that public spending on maternity leave benefits (spending level) may raise the odds of single mothers being employed, when individual-level factors are controlled for in multilevel analysis we implement for robustness check. Research limitations/implications: This paper does not analyze the effects of the qualitative properties of SI policies. Future research is necessary in this respect. Originality/value: The effects of SI policies on employment among single mothers have not yet been examined in the literature. This paper seeks to be a first cut at measuring the effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Feministische Studien is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study was designed to explore mothers' perceptions about changes in parenting behavior in the middle of the pandemic COVID 19 period. Based on the convergent mixed-method design and Parental Stress model, we illustrated these changes by taking into account the impact of the pandemic perceived by mothers and the resources they had available. Research on parenting changes was important in the Romanian context because, in that challenging period, there were no regulations to safeguard parents, especially single parents as mothers. Mothers experienced increased levels of stress, some of them having to leave their jobs to stay at home with their children. Other mothers needed to work from home and in the meantime to take care of their children. In this context we wanted to illustrate the possible changes that occurred in their parenting behavior during the pandemic period. Results from the quantitative survey showed that there is a moderate correlation between the negative impact felt by mothers and the negative changes in their parenting behavior, and this correlation was diminished by a series of resources such as: social support, parenting alliance, or high income. Qualitative data provided better understanding of mothers' parenting behavior by showing that mothers shared both positive and negative experiences during the pandemic, regardless of the general trend mentioned. As shown by the quantitative data, the qualitative data also showed that mothers who felt more strongly the impact of the pandemic reported more negative changes in their parenting behavior. The positive changes most frequently stated involved expressing affection and communicating more often on various topics, carrying out leisure activities or activities meant to help with the personal development of the child, and involving children in domestic activities. Mothers mostly described negative aspects such as too much involvement in school life, increased control and surveillance of children, especially when it comes to school related activities and to the time children were allowed to spend on their digital devices. These changes led to conflicts and sometimes, mothers resorted to discipline practices. In addition to the resources identified in quantitative research, mothers with higher education and medium–high income also turned to specialized resources (psychologists, online courses, support groups) in order to manage conflicts, them being able to see the challenges of the pandemic as an opportunity to develop and improve the relationship with their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the fore the everyday and exceptional challenges for mothers. Rarely, however, did research or social commentary acknowledge the multiplicities of motherhood during this prolonged period of risk, disruption, and uncertainty. This paper draws upon interviews with 24 mothers living in Aotearoa New Zealand during the pandemic, including women who were pregnant and gave birth during lockdowns, teenage mothers, single and low-income mothers, and working mothers. The sample was intentionally diverse, including M?aori, Pacific, Asian and migrant mothers. Engaging an intersectional lens on motherhood and women's health, this paper builds upon and extends feminist research on mothers' experiences during the pandemic, highlighting the many different challenges facing mothers of diverse social, cultural, and economic positionalities and during various stages of motherhood. Across the sample, we reveal the significant emotional toll on mothers, particularly with the absence of critical social, medical and health support systems during lockdown periods and sustained social restrictions. Many of the women described how the pandemic affected their feelings about motherhood, prompting newreflections on their relationships with the home, family, work, and broader society. Despite some similarities, the pandemic experiences of M?aori, Pacific, migrant and single mothers were further intensified by various forms of isolation, judgement, and discrimination. In this way, the pandemic shed light on the gendering of everydaymaternal life, but also the need formore intersectional culturally and gender-responsive policies that acknowledge the multi-layered complexities of mothers' lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survey experiments have shown mixed results about the effect of information provision on attitudes toward controversial policies. We argue that one reason is varied receptiveness to different modes of information. Prior research suggests that people selectively ignore factual, statistical information that contradicts prior beliefs but are more attentive to narrative information that describes individual experiences. We test this in the context of Japanese attitudes toward poverty relief programs, which are less popular than other welfare expenditures. Using a conjoint survey, we show that there is a "narrative premium": Respondents who are shown a narrative story about the plight of a single mother are more likely to support higher expenditures on poverty relief than those who are shown statistical information about the share of single parents living in poverty. This premium is particularly effective in strengthening the convictions of those who are already aware of levels of societal poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of oral azithromycin (AZI) as a preventive measure against postpartum infections of planned vaginal births has garnered a lot of interest in recent years and has been the subject of many randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, the results from these trials have not been consistent. Therefore, we aim to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine whether the use of a single‐dose of oral AZI is clinically significant. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central for RCTs from May to June 2023, comparing a single dose of oral AZI with placebo in patients undergoing planned vaginal delivery at a minimum of 28 weeks of gestational age. The main outcomes were puerperal and neonatal sepsis. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 (Cochrane Collaboration). Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. Results: Four RCTs were included (mothers, n = 42 235; newborns n = 42 492). Approximately 49.8% of mothers received a single dose of oral AZI for sepsis prophylaxis. Compared with placebo, AZI significantly reduced the incidence of puerperal sepsis (risk ratio [RR], 0.65 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55–0.77]; P < 0.001), mastitis or breast abscess (RR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.42–0.79]; P < 0.001), endometritis (RR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.54–0.77]; P < 0.001), wound infection (RR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.69–0.96]; P = 0.013), infection rate (RR, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.51–0.76]; P < 0.001), and fever (RR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.28–0.89]; P = 0.018) in mothers. No statistically significant differences were identified between groups regarding maternal all‐cause mortality and the use of prescribed postpartum antibiotics. Similarly, no statistical differences were noted in the neonatal group regarding sepsis, infection rate, and all‐cause mortality. Conclusion: AZI appears to be an effective preventive measure against many postpartum infections in mothers but a substantial impact on neonatal outcomes has not yet been conclusively observed. Synopsis: Administration of azithromycin has been shown to prevent postpartum infections and sepsis in mothers undergoing vaginal delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We examined the experience of the intensification of homeschooling and/or childcare in working mothers in the United Kingdom during the first national COVID-19 lockdown. Our focus was on understanding how mothers dealt with this challenging period both emotionally and practically. Methods: Eligible mothers (n = 47; Mage = 39.6) participated in an anonymous online survey of openended questions. Results: Thematic analysis of responses showed that mothers found homeschooling and/or childcare to be challenging. This was particularly notable in situations where support from partners, schools, and workplaces was limited. For single working mothers, the absence of support resources was especially impactful. Mothers often felt overly stressed trying to balance work and family responsibilities, guilty for not meeting their child's needs, and were worried over their child's well-being and academic progress and over increasing work demands. Common strategies mothers used to cope with the challenges of home-schooling and/or childcare included adopting a positive outlook, implementing flexible family structures, increasing family connectedness, and negotiating alternative partnership models. Discussion: The intensification of home-schooling and/or childcare during the lockdown in the United Kingdom negatively affected maternal well-being, particularly due to limited support. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing maternal wellbeing in post-pandemic recovery efforts. Additionally, they highlight the social dimension of maternal wellbeing and suggest a comprehensive approach to support it that includes both timely access to intervention for mental health but also implementing family-friendly work policies and offering support with childcare and children's learning as essential measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, there has been a shift from the traditional family structure, with more acceptance of different structures, including those led by single parents. This qualitative photo‐narrative study aimed at making the voices of single mothers raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) heard. According to the literature, parenting a child with a disability can be very stressful on several different levels. Seven single mothers living in southern Israel and parenting children with ASD told their life stories and took photographs depicting their motherhood experience. The data underwent thematic content analysis. The main themes that emerged were the shattering of the family dream, the mothers and the educational setting, the present in the shadow of the future, single parents' support resources and the mothers' search for meaning. The data demonstrated that the mothers' daily life was rife with challenges. Providing assistance and support during different stages, including diagnosis, educational transitions and daily struggles, as outlined in the Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement, was crucial. The mothers also stressed that they drew strength from their love for their child and their existing support systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The income maintenance experiments have received renewed attention due to growing international interest in a basic income. Proponents of a negative income tax (NIT) viewed it as a replacement for traditional welfare with stronger work incentives. However, existing labor supply estimates for single mothers (those eligible for welfare) are uniformly negative. We reassess the experimental evidence and find randomization failure in two NITs (Gary and Seattle). In Denver and Manitoba, we find positive labor supply responses for those on welfare before random assignment. Our results provide strong evidence that an NIT can increase work activity among single mothers on welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romania is still facing the phenomenon of children abandoned in maternities or paediatric hospital units and is still facing the institutionalization of children. However, the mothers who ask for help from the child protection services and who stay in maternal centres will manage to raise their children as single mothers after the residency. The factors that influence their decision to not abandon their children and the aspects of their life are analysed in the present study. The objective of the study is to identify resilience factors that is helping single mothers to raise their children even though they face financial and family reintegration difficulties. The study analyses the national data from the Romanian National Authority for the Protection of the Rights of the Child and Adoption regarding abandoned children. The study presents the results of an exploratory research regarding resilience factors. The authors interviewed both employees and service users from different maternal centres from Bucharest, Romania. Main results and implication: Between the relevant aspects regarding child abandonment prevention there are the financial independency and involvement of relatives in the life of the mother-child couples. Many of the mothers who access services of the maternal centres would like to have a life together with their child's father, even though they are, in some cases, involved in another romantic relationship. Also, if they have a good relationship with their parents they will remain with their children after leaving the maternal centre residence. In addition, if the mothers will be financially independent, with jobs, and they learned proper effective ways to manage the money, then the children will remain with them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the issue of work-family conflict in modern societies, particularly in the European Union (EU). The EU is facing demographic challenges due to low fertility rates and an aging population, which could impact its global economic standing. To address these challenges, the EU has proposed various policy tools, including measures to reconcile family aspirations and paid work. The article highlights the importance of supporting individuals in choosing both a career and a family, addressing gender inequalities in the labor market, providing affordable childcare, and implementing flexible work arrangements. Additionally, targeted tax and benefit reforms are suggested to ensure that work is financially rewarding. [Extracted from the article]

Drawing on participant observations and in-depth interviews with twenty-two single mothers with mental illness and four medical workers from a psychiatric hospital in Thailand, this article analyses the self-stigma faced by single mothers with mental illness in Thai society. Using an intersectional approach and looking at motherhood as a social construct, the article shows the connections of intersectional stigma with single motherhood and mental illness, and demonstrates its relation to gender, class, ethnicity, religion and other identity markers within the Thai socio-cultural context. Findings from the research suggest that the current gender ideology, which shapes the stigmatized mothering experiences of single mothers with mental illness in Thailand, needs to be revisited and reformed by individuals, medical workers and the state at every level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maslow's theoretical hierarchy of needs suggests need fulfillment is ordered, where basic needs are at least partially satiated before more advanced needs may be pursued. The implication, then, is that an individual is motivated to fulfill their physiological needs before they can seek higher-level needs. Using interview data from 32 single mothers, this paper examines whether mothers—who need to fulfill their children's basic needs—follow or deviate from the ordered direction of Maslow's hierarchy. Findings show mothers' motivations are social, not individual, as they strategically pursue higher education as a way to provide housing, food, and safety to their children—which inverts Maslow's hierarchy. Mothers participate in The House of Educational Attainment (THEA), an organization that provides unilateral support, including apartments, to single parents as they pursue baccalaureate degrees. Support for more programs like THEA is needed if our national goal is for single mothers to achieve self-sufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze effects of the minimum wage on the labor supply of parents of young children. Distributional difference-in-differences and event-study models document a sharp rise in employment rates of single mothers with children ages zero to five following minimum wage increases. Effects are concentrated among jobs paying close to the minimum wage. We find corresponding drops in the probability of staying out of the labor force to care for family members. Results are consistent with simple labor supply models in which childcare costs create barriers to employment. Minimum wage increases then enable greater labor force participation and reduce child poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present investigation delves into the effectiveness of two distinct therapeutic modalities, namely Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) and Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI), in tackling issues of mistrust and alienation among homeless females. Methods: The methodology employed in this study was of a semi-experimental nature, characterized by an experimental design utilizing a pre-test/post-test approach with a control group. Participant selection was carried out through a random sampling technique, resulting in the recruitment of 60 individuals who were subsequently allocated randomly into three groups, each comprising 20 participants. Data collection utilized the Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) instrument. To assess the research hypotheses, multivariate analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were conducted. Results: Following a meticulous analysis of post-intervention outcomes, a notable discrepancy in scores between the MBT and PPI cohorts was observed. Specifically, the MBT cohort exhibited a significant enhancement in contrast to the control group, while no substantial variance was detected between the PPI cohort and the control group. Conclusions: As a result, it is deduced from this study that MBT surpasses PPI significantly in alleviating the mistrust and alienation schema prevalent in homeless women. In view of these findings, it is recommended that organizations supporting homeless women, particularly single mothers, contemplate the implementation of the Mentalization-Based Treatment strategy to augment their cognitive schemas and foster psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing trend of single mothers entering the business sector in Malaysia has garnered attention due to the increasing prevalence of single-mother households and the imperative for economic sustainability. Single mothers often face significant challenges in both supporting their families and achieving financial stability. To address these challenges, entrepreneurship presents a viable solution, enabling them to generate income and create employment opportunities, which, in turn, can foster societal and economic growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accentuated this opportunity, as many single mothers began operating businesses from home during the movement control order (MCO). This study aims to explore the business potential of single mothers by examining the types of businesses they engage in, the products and services they offer, and the challenges they encounter. The pandemic has notably influenced the rise of online businesses in sectors such as food and beverage, services, and fashion design, driven by increased customer demand. However, single mothers face challenges related to work-life balance and entrepreneurial activities, including high external locus of control and inadequate financial management, which impede their ability to sustain their businesses. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial experiences of single mothers and offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. It informs the development of targeted policies and programs aimed at supporting the economic empowerment of single mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To associate the knowledge and prevalence of anaemia among the Antenatal mother Material and Methods: 30 antenatal mothers suffering from anemia and admitted in Sultania Hospital Bhopal were included in this study. The purposive sampling technique were used in this study. Purposive sampling - In these types of non probability sampling the research or attempt identify typical cases whatever is being studied. A descriptive research design with non experimental approach was selected as a research design and approach for the study. Results: 30% antenatal mother obtained Excellent score (>80%), 70% of antenatal mother got good score (61%-80%) & not a single antenatal mother score below 60%. Mean knowledge score of antenatal mother regarding anaemia was 26 were excellent & 22.6 in good &mean percentage of knowledge score of antenatal mother regarding anaemia was 86.7 in excellent group and 75.3% in good group obtained good score. Conclusion: we concluded that most of the antenatal mother was 20-25yrs.of age. Most of the antenatal mothers were educated. Most of them belonging from nuclear family. Overall mean, standard deviation and mean score revealed that antenatal mothers were having knowledge regarding anaemia in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The financial difficulties of parents have a negative impact on the health of their children. This problem is more pronounced in single mother families. There is limited research on low-income, single mothers and how interventions to help them address financial difficulties may also benefit their children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a year-long financial education and coaching program on school absenteeism and health care utilization of children in employed, low-income, single mother households. This was a post hoc analysis of the Finances First study, a randomized controlled trial conducted in 2017–2020 examining the impact of a financial coaching and education program on economic stability and health outcomes in 345 low-income, single mothers. Either generalized estimating equations (GEEs) or generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were used to account for relationships between participants. For the continuous outcomes of child absenteeism, physician visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalization days, a linear mixed-effects model was used. The Finances First study demonstrated improvements in various financial strain measures. Compared to the control group, children of intervention group participants experienced 1 fewer day of school absence (p = 0.049) and 1 fewer physician visit (p = 0.032) per year, but no impact was seen on emergency room visits (p = 0.55) or hospitalizations (p = 0.92). Addressing social determinants of health in parents is necessary for improving child health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between delinquent activity in young adolescent male subjects living in three household structures: (1) traditional family with a biological mother and father in the home (2) a stepfamily with a biological mother and stepfather in the home, and (3) single mother households. Using data collected from Add Health's longitudinal survey W1 (n = 2,799, aged ages 11-17), findings suggests that the presence of a father figure during adolescence is likely to have protective effects for males in curbing delinquent behavior. Conversely, findings found single mother households to be significantly and positively associated with delinquent behavior in adolescent males. The presence of a stepfather was negatively associated with delinquent behavior, but not to a significant degree, suggesting an alternative to a biological father in the home may mitigate negative consequences associated with paternal absence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infertility treatments are emotionally taxing and include invasive and time-consuming procedures over extended periods of time. In light of the growing numbers of single mothers by choice, the objective of this study was to apply the Conservation of Resources Theory in the context of infertility care and examine whether relationship status constitutes a psychological resource that buffers the decline in quality of life during IVF treatments. We used the FertiQol questionnaire to compare the quality of life of IVF patients between 422 patients who are involved in a couple relationship ("attached") and 117 patients who are not ("unattached"). Results show that the total FertiQol was significantly higher among the attached participants; the Core FertiQol and the Treatment FertiQol were rated higher by the "attached." No significant differences were found between the attached and unattached for the Emotional and Social subscales. "unattached" participants report significantly lower levels of quality of life in the "mind-body" and "treatment tolerability" subscales than the "attached" participants. It is concluded that being involved in a long-term couple relationship is to be seen as a resource that buffers the decline in quality of life of infertile women undergoing IVF treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the diversification of approaches to the study of motherhood in South Korea, influenced by the gender equality movement and globalized gender studies. Scholars have analyzed changes in motherhood ideology and expectations for engagement with children's education, as well as representations of mothers in popular culture and their use of social media. The special section of Korean Studies focuses on portrayals of motherhood in South Korean popular and practiced culture, examining films, television dramas, religious scripture, and webtoons. The articles highlight the complexities and transformations of motherhood in South Korean society, shedding light on social change and national identity. [Extracted from the article]

The article examines the portrayal of single mothers in the South Korean drama "When the Camellia Blooms" and argues that it challenges traditional narratives by presenting a more empowered and independent single mother character. The drama addresses contemporary issues such as the #MeToo movement and misogynist murders, while also emphasizing solidarity and alternative parenting communities. The article discusses the use of flower analogies, particularly the camellia, to represent femininity and lack of agency for women in South Korean society, but also highlights how the drama challenges these stereotypes by portraying the protagonist as an independent and empowered single mother. It explores the shift from patriarchal motherhood to feminist mothering and the importance of context in interpreting flower symbolism. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the film "Broker" directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda and its significance in the Korean context. It explores the question of whether there is a Korean filmmaker equivalent to Kore-eda who focuses on family themes. While there are notable Korean filmmakers who explore masculinity and feminism, Kore-eda stands out for his dedication to telling everyday stories about family. The article also analyzes the mother character in "Broker" and its role in the unconventional family depicted in the film. It highlights the transnational nature of contemporary arthouse cinema and the significance of the film within the context of Korean film history. [Extracted from the article]

Russia is not the only country in the world that relies heavily on informal caregiving, but what makes Russia unique is the number of single-parent one-child families. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the transition from state socialism to market capitalism, little has changed in terms of the social protection of older adults. Unaffordable home care services, low pensions, bifurcation of the formerly free healthcare into state and private sectors, the invisibility of people with disabilities, and the absence of quality nursing homes, have left adult children in Russia no choice but to bear the full burden of caregiving for their aging parents completely alone. Given the scarcity of research that examines informal caregiving in Russia in general and in provincial cities in particular, this study addresses this gap by centering on previously unheard voices of a unique group of women: only children of single mothers from Ufa, a metropolitan city in the Ural Mountains. Twenty middle-aged (M = 40.75, SD = 3.43), college-educated women participated in a two-hour, semi-structured interview. Inductive thematic analysis revealed three themes: incongruence with the microenvironment, aging in the "cement box," and distrust of outsiders. The findings suggest material and cultural constraints that female caregivers face as they negotiate the mothers' discordance with the microenvironment of Khrushchev-era apartments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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