Single Mothers in South Africa and Germany in Formal Employment Contexts : A Case Study on the Relationship Between Education, the Re-Conceptualisation of the Role of Women and the Influence of Social Networks

Abstract

Many studies dealing with the situation of single mothers focus, in particular, on the negative consequences of this way of life. This qualitative study presents the results of a comparative empirical analysis carried out in the Republic of South Africa and the Federal Republic of Germany, in which 25 single mothers employed in the formal labour market participated. Besides the different historical and socio-economic backgrounds and conditions of both countries, the interviewees demonstrate distinct similarities. These similarities will be discussed on the basis of three key themes: personal and social networks as a resource, the re-conceptualisation of the role of women as well as the relationship between education and current life situations.