Informal support networks as a source of strength for mother-headed households in Cato Crest informal settlement, eThekwini

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore how informal support networks are used as a source of strength among mother-headed households in an informal settlement. The four objectives of this study were to understand the challenges mothers face in mother-headed households in an informal settlement; to explore how mothers deal with such challenges personally, within their families and in the context of the settlement; to inquire about what support systems exist to strengthen mother-headed households in informal settlements; and to understand how such support systems are used to transcend difficulties experienced. This study used a qualitative descriptive design which explored the experiences of mothers between the ages of 21-59, who headed households in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. Purposive, convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit participants for this study. The data was collected through 12 semi-structured interviews and subsequently analysed using thematic analysis. From the study, four main themes emerged. Theme one focused on the nature of the support systems. The three sub-themes that emerged were the social systems that participants got from religious organisations/churches; family and neighbours; and social media sites. Theme two related to the benefits of social networks experienced by the participants. The three sub-themes that emerged were dealing with personal difficulties and celebrating success; comfort and support during death and bereavement; and economic benefits. Theme three focused on the challenges faced by mothers who head households. The nine sub themes that emerged were stress and anxiety; overload of the role as a mother; unemployment and poverty; food insecurity; poor infrastructure, service delivery and unhealthy living conditions; energy poverty; exposure to natural vulnerabilities and shack fires; discrimination, social class bias and stigmatisation; and crime and gender-based violence. Theme four focused on the coping skills used by the mothers. The three sub-themes that emerged were the coping skills based on the informal social support; degree of spirituality and religiosity; and resilience and hope. This is one of the first qualitative studies in KwaZulu Natal, known to the researcher, to highlight how informal support networks are used as a source of strength among mother-headed households in an informal settlement. It emerged that informal support networks are a source of strength for mothers; hence it improved the quality of life. All participants had favourable experiences with informal social networks, with some mothers expressing that informal social networks were the most effective way of accessing their social and livelihood needs. This was despite their experience with different socio-economic challenges. This study builds on the body of knowledge for informal social networks management and supports the use of these networks for livelihood and household management. Future studies should include more qualitative research studies on the psychosocial impact of informal networks amongst the informal settlement population. The impact of poverty, inequalities and crime on informal networks should be further investigated in other qualitative studies. A more detailed study should be undertaken to ascertain the impact and efficacy of informal networks for the reduction and eradication of socio-economic challenges faced by residents in the informal settlements.