Challenges of Single Parenting: A Sociological study of single mothers based in Dehradun City

The present study focuses on the challenges faced by single mothers and the methods adopted by them in overcoming the challenges to raise their children without a partner. The study uses qualitative research methods to analyse the social issue of increasing single parenthood and the challenges faced by the single mothers. The area of study is Dehradun city. The sample size is 15 single mothers interviewed face to face through snow ball technique. Questions were asked to the respondents through an interview schedule with both open ended and close ended questions. The interview was followed by discussions on life experience, challenges and coping strategies. The data was collected through primary as well as secondary resources that contain journal, newspaper articles, government reports and research studies. The findings of the present study revealed that the single mothers faced several socio-economic challenges in the initial years of separation/divorce or widowhood. Learning by experience, economic stability, etc. were some of the major factors in creating a stable life for the single mothers and their children.