Changing Times for Working Single Mothers: Reflections on Educational Achievement of the Girl Child from a Historical Perspective
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Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University & Syracuse University
Abstract
In the recent past, the issue of working single mothers and the academic
performance of their girl child has often been the focus of public debate. This paper
highlights the changing times of single working mothers in relation to performance of the
girl child from a historical perspective. The data for the study was collected using a
questionnaire and interviews. Data was collected from Kitui, Kiambu and Uasin Gishu
districts in Kenya, East Africa. Three hundred and five single and coupled parents were
randomly sampled for the study. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS software
programme. The findings showed that most working single mothers had readjusted to a
sudden situation (single parenthood) and were offering the girl child the best education
within the prevailing conditions. Though the law regarding property ownership and matters
of inheritance have been reviewed and documented, the issue of actual ownership by single
mothers is yet to be fully addressed. The failure to appreciate single mothers and the
attendant parenting pressure is likely to affect the girl child academic achievement. On the
basis of these findings the study recommends that single mothers be recognized as dual
parents and that the girl-child be protected from any form of discrimination.
Description
Keywords
Single Mothers, Educational Achievement, Girl Child
Citation
Ngesu, L.M., Anangisye, W. and Mwelu, B., 2011. Changing Times for Working Single Mothers: Reflections on Educational Achievement of the Girl Child from a Historical Perspective. Quality Education for Societal Transformation Nairobi, Kenya July 20-22, 2011, 20, p.60.