Day Care and the Single Parent Family: An Analysis of Single Parent Families' Interactions and Experiences
Hurn, Jannah Jill
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/77485
Description
Title
Day Care and the Single Parent Family: An Analysis of Single Parent Families' Interactions and Experiences
Author(s)
Hurn, Jannah Jill
Issue Date
1984
Department of Study
Social Work
Discipline
Social Work
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Social Work
Language
eng
Abstract
Issues related to day care in the United States have emerged as the result of the changing structure of the American family. Concerns over the experiences single parent families have with day care are growing as current resources for these families decline. In addition, there is little research to date about the differences between single fathers and single mothers in their processes of obtaining and utilizing child care.
This study examines the interactions and experiences of single parents with day care. In addition, differences between single fathers and single mothers are presented. The method of interpretive evaluation created by Dr. Norman Denzin was utilized in examining the interactions and experiences. The method employed the use of analytic induction to analyze four research questions related to the single parent's choice, utilization and needs in child care as well as the effects on the family.
The exploratory nature of the study enabled the researcher to draw interpretations from twenty single parents who utilized day care. There were several differences found between the mothers and the fathers in their process of choosing and utilizing care. Fathers tended to deny any help or support offered for fear of losing their right to parent their children. They expressed their need to prove their self-sufficiency. Single mothers, however, sought support and advice from family and friends. These two major themes emerged throughout the study. Their importance to policy and practice with single parents leads the researcher to suggest the following questions for further research. (1) What processes and influences are involved in single fathers' desire to be independent and self-sufficient in their choice and utilization of child care, as compared to the single mothers' desire to seek support and advice? (2) Are these differences related to gender role definition, and if so, how? (3) How might these differences affect changes in current social work policy and practice related to day care and single parents?
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