Going Solo: Single Mothers by Choice

This 1985 book explores the changes in personal relationships that had taken place over the previous decade, focusing on women who had deliberately chosen to have children outside of a permanent relationship. Jean Renvoize discusses why a growing number of women were deciding to become single mothers and the implications of this for the future of the family and for old-style love and commitment between the sexes. She also looks at men's feelings about being used as a "stud" and uncovers the desire of some men to have a family without being financially and emotionally involved with a long-term partner. The book places the new style of personal relationship in the context of the advance of the women's movement, and finds that ordinary and non-political womens and mens lives have been more fundamentally changed by feminism than they may realize.

Format: Hardback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1985, this groundbreaking book delves into the profound transformations that had occurred in personal relationships over the preceding decade, particularly focusing on women who had intentionally chosen to have children outside of a permanent partnership. After extensively traveling throughout Britain, the United States, and Holland, meeting those personally involved, Jean Renvoize explores the reasons behind the growing number of women opting to become single mothers. Through her comprehensive analysis, she uncovers the far-reaching implications of this decision for the future of the family and the traditional concept of love and commitment between the sexes. Renvoize also examines the position of the children of these single families and their mothers, shedding light on their experiences and emotions. Additionally, she delves into men's feelings about being used as a "stud" and uncovers the desire of some men to have a family without being financially and emotionally involved with a long-term partner.

Importantly, Jean Renvoize situates the emerging style of personal relationships within the broader context of the advancement of the women's movement. It becomes evident that ordinary and non-political women's and men's lives have been more fundamentally altered by feminism than they may realize. However, it is noteworthy that few of the mothers interviewed by the author identify as actively feminist, with the exception of lesbians. Despite this, all the mothers who made the deliberate choice to "go solo" have reported loving, joyful, and fulfilling experiences of motherhood. While having a child alone has presented numerous challenges, those who have overcome them have found immense fulfillment, leading to an inevitable question: Are a woman and her child better off without a man? In the backdrop of numerous marriages ending in divorce, the notion of a stable unit of two seems to be under scrutiny.

In conclusion, this thought-provoking book offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolving landscape of personal relationships, shedding light on the choices made by women and the impact of these choices on families, relationships, and society as a whole. Through her meticulous research and insightful analysis, Jean Renvoize provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex dynamics of modern motherhood and the changing roles of women in society.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032532370