WELLBEING OF SINGLE MOTHERS IN A SLUM COMMUNITY

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate wellbeing, livelihood strategies to pursue wellbeing and conditions effecting wellbeing achievement of single mothers in a slum community in Bangkok. This research was conducted following a qualitative research methodology. Data were collected mainly through in-depth interviews with 12 key informants, and 18 cases of single mothers. The case were divided into 2 groups, 9 each: 1) single mothers living with children and relatives; and 2) single mothers living only with children. Data analysis was done by means of typological analysis, data synthesis, and interpretation. The resulted showed that the wellbeing of the two groups of single mothers consisted of 3 main components; 1) having assets and money for living and savings, 2) being able to support their children to pursue a higher education, and 3) being physically healthy. Furthermore, the second group of single mothers also expressed the needs for support from someone trustful. Conditions affecting the wellbeing of single mothers found to be related to state policies, their social and cultural conditions, and economic conditions of their families, and the environment of the area where they lived. As there was no clear state policies or regulations to actually support single mothers, they seemed to have limited access to several government services. Consequently, they were not nightly satisfied with their overall wellbeing achievement. Even though they had put strong effort, to adjust livelihood strategies amidst rapid economic and social changes of the urban society.

-