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    Single-mother led families with disabled children in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master in Social Work at Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Lee, Jane
    It is estimated that 11% of children who live in Aotearoa New Zealand are disabled children, with approximately 30% of these children living in a one-parent family. Currently, the vast majority, approximately 84%, of one-parent families are headed by women. Within the Aotearoa New Zealand context, relatively little is known about the space where these two spheres overlap: single mothers raising disabled children. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of single-mother led families with a disabled child/children in Aotearoa New Zealand. This research employed a qualitative approach, guided by social constructionism, to conduct interviews with six single mothers with a disabled child/children to explore their experiences. The topics covered included supports, networks and resources that the mothers and families have or use, experiences of accessing support services, what quality of life meant for the mothers and their family, coping mechanisms, and future considerations. A thematic analysis of the interviews was carried out. Findings from this research indicated that single mothers with a disabled child face many financial, emotional, practical and societal challenges. Despite this, mothers in this research overwhelmingly preferred their current single-parent status, valued themselves as experts in their child’s life, and redefined their identity as mother-presence as opposed to the absence of a father. The findings of this study call for critical transformation of perceptions of single mothers and disability, and urge social work and healthcare professionals to challenge stereotypes and biases towards single mothers.
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    Don't ask, don't tell : a hidden tool of oppression : single mother's beliefs, media, stereotypes, and stigma : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2018) McFadyen, Joanne C. A.
    As a social construction at structural level, stigma exerts significant impact on the wellbeing of individuals, yet within the socio-cultural and political landscape stigma is utilised as legitimate form of social control with few mechanisms for limitation – despite links to discrimination and prejudice. Previous literature has found associations between discrimination and long term ill-health of those targeted, with relationships identified between system-justification (belief in the justness of society) and threat cardiovascular reactivity. Dominant mainstream media have been identified performing a significant structural role in the propagation of stigma. Single mothers are stigmatised and targeted by media and society, with a growing body of research reporting health disparities for them in poorer psychological and physical health outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore single mothers’ system beliefs, views of media and their lived experience of stigma, whilst collecting contextual demographic and health data. Eleven women participated, watching mainstream media headlines with interviews conducted afterwards. A social constructionist orientation and thematic approach was employed to analyse the women’s talk. Thematic analysis revealed a hidden culture single mothers recognised underlying injustices. Where “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has previously been utilised to ease participation for stigmatised individuals, this was identified in this study as a discourse of dehumanisation. Single mothers illuminate this as strategic practice employed by media, society, and institutions to mutual benefit, perpetuating single mothers’ oppression – irrespective of their adherence to neoliberal dogma.
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    The highs and lows of sole parenting experienced by wāhine Māori : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Philosophy (Health) at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Matipou, Ripeka
    Wāhine Māori and their experiences of sole parenting is an important field of study although it is under-examined in the field of research. The topic is common in literature that is related to political, economic and educational issues of children being raised by a sole parent. An examination of the experiences of wāhine Māori sole parents is the focus of this study and is an area with very little academic research. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach relevant in exploratory research that focuses on experiences and perceptions of people, in this research wāhine Māori. A kanohi ki kanohi interview process enabled the voices of the wāhine Māori to be heard, prompting their detailed lived experiences. Kaupapa Māori, Māori-centred research and a Mana wāhine approach guided and influenced this research. The findings from this research showed that wāhine Māori identified the importance of education, therefore completing academic studies and seeking employment. Essentially they became role models for their tamariki. A major contribution was the significant supportive role played by the grandfathers who had fundamentally parented them then went on to manaaki their mokopuna. Other ‘good men’ had made an impact with the tamariki for example mentoring them through sporting ventures. A recognition for the wāhine Māori as sole parents was they were successful in parenting their tamariki for their future growth and development and therefore strived for the same outcomes as others in society. Finally, these insights provide the basis for recommendations to improve social services for wāhine Māori and principles to guide their future development.
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    The politicisation of motherhood : silencing sole mothers : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2013) Neill-Weston, Frances
    In most OECD countries adolescent child-bearing and child-rearing is regarded as the forerunner of social, economic, employment and educational disadvantage particularly for young sole mothers receiving State-provided benefits. The National-led government has argued that the cost of social welfare benefits, an estimated $7.6 billion in 2008/2009, is no longer sustainable. Towards the end of 2012 following recommendations from a government-appointed Welfare Working Party, the social welfare system was restructured to 'encourage' recipients to search for paid employment by restricting their opportunities for support if they did not. This study explored how young sole mothers experienced mothering, and made snese of the processes and consequences of the National-led government's reforms, in a socio-political environment that overtly prioritises paid work. Using thematic analysis of narratives obtained from unstructured interviews with 10 adolescent sole mothers attending a teen parent education unit in the greater Wellington area, the study also sought to understand the ways in which sole mothers are silenced on political issues affecting their futures. The research is based on feminist principles of empowerment of women and social justice and is situated within Michel Foucault's postulations that Governments, their institutions and their representatives, structure actions and use language to discipline and silence individuals and groups to maintain normative power and control. Themes from participants' narratives included an unambiguous preference for hands-on/full-time mothering with support as needed; intractable difficulties in coping with inadequate DPB benefits with social isolation as a consequence; an acceptance of the need to obtain paid work, but only when their child is settled and ready; a determination to obtain further qualifications in order to achieve a better life for their child and themselves coupled with a largely unrecognised resilience.
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    To what degree do the in-work tax credit policies introduced in New Zealand (2006) and Sweden (2007) contribute to the wellbeing of sole mothers? : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Social Policy at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2013) Davidson, Terri-Louise
    Social policy intervention greatly influences the level of wellbeing achieved by different population groups and reflects social, political and historical discourse, and power constructs within society. As a population group, sole mother households consistently experience higher poverty rates than other population groups across western welfare states. By undertaking a critical social policy analysis and comparative analysis of the New Zealand (2006) and Sweden (2007) in-work tax credit policies, this research demonstrates that the inequalities experienced by sole mothers were perpetuated and reinforced by social policy mechanisms that were reflective of each country’s ideological foundations. The gendered nature of the inequalities also reflected the socialist feminist view that interrelated power constructs in the form of public patriarchy and capitalism influence the wellbeing of sole mothers across all welfare states. Thus, while capitalism continues to exploit women as gender-neutral workers, public patriarchy continues to further exploit women through male-dominant power constructs.