The single parent family may be defined as one comprising of single parent mother or father having own dependent children. There can be various causes for its establishment as death, divorce, separation, unwed mother, migration for employment and imprisonment. Various studies suggest that one parent families are ineffective in serving the basic family functions. Absence of one parent has a detrimental effect on the growth and development of children.
I did a research on Single Parent Families in 2005. Study will convey different views to different people. They are open to a variety of interpretations. The human drama unfolds and engages our attention. Be it human comedy or tragedy, instinctively we respond. There is poetry and the play of colors black and white, Grey and green, purple, red and silver…we want to see the images, hear the words. We may identify with a character, a sentiment or a significant act. Study aimed to find out the effect of divorce on single parent and the child in the family. No significant difference was found in mother headed single family and father headed single family.
Home is about struggle and survival as is the outside world. There are data and slogans supporting dissolubility of marriage. But there are factors, internal as well as external, working to undermine the stability of marital ties. Such a situation is termed as marital maladjustment or disharmony, which may manifests in several forms, DIVORCE being the one.
The emergence of the industrial era, the assertions of individualism, the passion for freedom and liberty, the change in cultural and social climate not to speak of women’s liberation movement; have all contributed in molding the attitudes of society towards divorce. Divorce since it integrates the family unity is of course a social evil itself but it is better to wreck the unity of the family than to wreck the future happiness of the parties by binding them to a companionship that has become odious.
Insights into the real life: From pain to pleasure
The study tries to unfold realities and insights of the single parent families. Most participants felt they have achieved something valuable-including an understanding of the basics of life. Despite the sheer pain and the lone battling in tough times, the study reveals the sourcing of strength and journey from fear to courage. If and when person speaks, a process of healing has already begun. It is tough to acknowledge grief, abandonment, betrayal, loneliness, anger, rage or frustration—even to oneself.
A person who has moved through this morass and managed to emerge with a new balance and understanding may well want to talk about their journey. Each talking out space while interviewing was very special. There were tears, laughter, trembling voice, the silent moments. There were echoes of bewilderment, chaos, grief and anger. There was retrieval of spirit, a squaring of the shoulders.
