The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that affect the job-seeking efficacy of single mothers. Nationally collected data of 133 single mothers were used in the final analysis. The independent variable consists of sociodemographic fact...
The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that affect the job-seeking efficacy of single mothers. Nationally collected data of 133 single mothers were used in the final analysis. The independent variable consists of sociodemographic factors, employment -related factors, and psychosocial factors. The summary of the results are as follows:
First, the average job-seeking efficacy of single mothers was 2.96, indicating lower job-seeking efficacy than that of women with career breaks (M=3.83).
Second, as a result of analyzing the difference of job-seeking efficacy by each factor, there was a significant difference in the job -seeking efficacy of single mothers in the level of education, monthly average income, preschool child existence from sociodemographic factors; certificate or license, job training experience, employment from employment factors. Single mothers with high school, University undergraduate and a higher level of education had a relatively higher job-seeking efficacy than those with education level under high school. Monthly average income of over 1,500,000 KRW showed higher job-seeking efficacy than those with under 600,000 KRW. Also, the job-seeking efficacy of single mothers without preschool child had higher than those that had a preschool child. Those with certificate or license, job training experience, and those currently employed had higher job-seeking efficacy.
Third, self-esteem had the biggest effect on single mothers’ job-seeking efficacy, followed by monthly average income, job training experience or participation, and socially supported having a significant effect. This indicates they have higher job-seeking efficacy the higher their self-esteem, social support, and monthly average income is; as is with job training experience.
With the above study results, this study suggested that: First, there has to be a focus in the empowerment of individual psychosocial parts such as self-esteem. Second, as the monthly average income affects their job-seeking efficacy, the importance of improving the job-seeking efficacy by having or getting a stable income and environment was emphasized. Third, a more structured and diverse job education and training program that consider their situation and characteristics need to be provided so that single mothers can participate in the job training and have the license issued. Fourth, the need for an awareness improvement regarding single mothers was suggested, so that they may be supported amongst the many social relationships surrounding their circumstances.