Mothering Alone: A Plea for Opportunity

The book explores the importance of education for low-income mothers to improve their and their children's lives, based on a pioneering facilitating program. It includes an engaging Foreword, an introduction, three parts, an Afterword, and two Appendices.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2022
Publisher: Phoenix Publishing House

The lives of women are intricately intertwined with the well-being of children. When women lack education, health, and empowerment, it is the children who bear the brunt of the consequences. This is a stark reality highlighted in a United NationsICEF report from 2006.

The study upon which this book is based is a pioneering facilitation program that aimed to empower low-income mothers with limited outside support to pursue higher education. The women's stories are presented in their own words, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of education in improving their and their children's lives.

The book begins with an engaging Foreword by Rosemary H. Balsam, FRCPsych (London), MRCP (Edinburgh), Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Yale Medical School. This Foreword sets the stage for the book and provides valuable insights into the societal attitudes towards single mothers throughout history.

Following the Foreword, the author introduces herself and provides an overview of the study. The book is then divided into three parts.

Part I provides the background information about the study itself and the societal attitudes towards single mothers throughout history. Mary Kay ONeil delves into common maternal tasks, the impact of parental and relational experiences, the life changes that come with becoming a mother, and the various influences on the decision to become a mother alone.

Part II explores the essential characteristics of effective motherhood: resilience, autonomy, and caring. In the context of the author's interest in women's development, Part III examines the psychodynamic understanding of mothers who are alone without resources and outlines the societal role in providing them with the opportunity to become successful mothers.

The parts are followed by an Afterword, which summarizes the lessons learned from the women's generous openness and suggests societal improvements to increase opportunities for all mothers.

The book concludes with two Appendices. The first Appendix tells the story of the author's mother, who also faced the challenges of motherhood alone. The second Appendix presents the research findings of the study for those interested in further understanding the impact of education on women's lives and the well-being of their children.

In conclusion, this book offers a powerful exploration of the lives of women and the critical role of education in improving their and their children's well-being. The women's stories are compelling and provide a valuable insight into the challenges and rewards of motherhood. By highlighting the importance of education, this book contributes to the ongoing conversation about gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912691319