Abstract

The purpose of this study is to gain a deep understanding of immigrant single mothers' parenting experiences. Seven immigrant single mothers were recruited as research participants. Data were collected by in-depth interviews which were conducted once or twice for each participant and analyzed by using a Giorgi's phenomenological method to delineate about participants' individual and unique experiences. Participants' statements were divided into 201 meaning units, which were analyzed into 29 sub-elements, 13 elements, and then structuralized with 5 intrinsic themes of 'marriage with unexpected hardships', 'troubled relationship with children due to emotional trauma', 'double whammy of being an immigrant woman and a single mother', 'struggles in becoming a head of household' and 'power of mothers' love for children'. Based on the above results, this study suggested some implications for social welfare policies and social work practices.

Keywords

• Immigrant single mothers;
• Parenting experiences;
• Phenomenological study

• 한부모 이주여성;
• 자녀양육;
• 현상학적 연구;