This study aims to analyze the social network of a singe female parent in low-income bracket by classifying the networks into six categories _ family, relative, friend, neighbor, religious person and expert _ and to figure out the degree of isolation ...
This study aims to analyze the social network of a singe female parent in low-income bracket by classifying the networks into six categories _ family, relative, friend, neighbor, religious person and expert _ and to figure out the degree of isolation (alienation, depression) based on each of the six different types.
The survey was conducted on 221 singe female parents using 23 welfare facilities across the nation from September 27 to October 23 in 2007. The data from the survey was analyzed through frequency analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression analysis with the use of SPPS 12.0.
The key findings from the study are as follows.
First, the number of singe female parents answering that there is no one to help them increased sharply from the past, suggesting that a sense of isolation a single female parent feels has been deepening.
This means that the natural formulation of social networks becomes more difficult compared with the past, an indication that there is a certain role in formal networks a single female parent should take.
Secondly, what stands out in the result of this study is that almost half the singe female parents surveyed (49.8%) run risks of suffering serious depression requiring medical treatment. Given that various symptoms accompanied by depression can have a serious effect on children, social interest and policy response are urgently needed.
Thirdly, as for the degree of isolation depending on demographic factors, there was a significant statistical difference between groups in alienation according to job, residential type and total income. In addition, there was a clear difference in depression due to the average of social networks in job and total income. In particular, both in alienation and depression, there was a significant difference between groups in health (p<.001) category, an indication that the less healthier a singe female parent, the higher alienation and depression she feels. Therefore, a singe female parent is highly likely to have a desire to participate in health-related programs.
Fourth, an one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)was conducted to figure out the difference in isolation according to the number of helpers. The result showed that there was a significant statistical difference between groups in categories of relative (p<.001) and friend (p<.001). The more the number of helpers, the less they feel isolation. In depression, the more the number of family members, relatives and friends, the less they feel depression.
Fifth, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to find out how the type of social networks influences isolation. The result showed that relationship of relatives and friends have an influence on alienation with the explanatory power of 18.9% in the integration model. This is a good evidence showing that a singe female parent's social network with relatives and friends has an influence on their sense of isolation. Besides, as for the influence of social network types on depression, the result found that among social networks, the one that affects depression was their social network with friends, with the explanatory power of 24.4% in the integration model. Therefore, it can be concluded that depression among singe female parents was influenced mostly by their relation with friends.
The implications of social welfare practice based on the results of the study are as follows.
The results of this study present that depression among singe female parents has reached a serious level and their relation with friends plays the key role of easing isolation among single female parents. Therefore, this study has a significance in that it suggests the future course of social welfare policies for singe female parents. Based on the study results, researchers recommend the revitalization of a self-help community among singe female parents, citing the necessity for society to intervene in to ease their depression, seriousness of its influence on children and protection plans during treatment period. In particular, this study can be considered meaningful as claims such as `singe female parents isolated from society due to lower social networks should be included in social networks' and `a program dealing with singe female parents' desire should be developed prior to emphasizing their role as a mom' have long been ignored by society. In addition, in order to prevent overlapping support and blind zones, an integration service should be provided. .
This paper shows a practical effort to translate low-income singe female parents' psychological difficulties shown in the results of the study into support plans or policy measures. We hope that in social welfare service, more efforts will be made to consider the inner part of a singe female parent in addition to external support, such as resource support and participation in event.