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The experience of sole mothers balancing paid work with care for a child with a disability
Author(s) -
Cole Lindsay,
Crettenden Angela,
Roberts Rachel,
Wright Annemarie
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
australian journal of social issues
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.417
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1839-4655
pISSN - 0157-6321
DOI - 10.1002/j.1839-4655.2016.tb01234.x
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , project commissioning , workforce , flexibility (engineering) , publishing , work (physics) , qualitative research , nursing , service provider , psychology , child care , service (business) , medicine , sociology , business , management , marketing , political science , engineering , mechanical engineering , social science , law , economics
There are increasing numbers of families in Australia headed by sole parents, but little is known about the experiences of those who also care for a child with a disability. Additional caring responsibilities have previously been shown to impact on the work participation of parents. This study involved qualitative analyses of interview data conducted with sole mothers with school‐aged children with disability ( N = 11). Thematic analysis revealed four themes that enabled and supported participation in the workforce: social support; managing appointments; characteristics of the workplace; and the role of the school. Results suggest the importance of practical help from family and friends in facilitating participation in paid employment. Additionally, the importance of flexible appointment scheduling on the part of service providers was highlighted, as well as the importance of workplace flexibility and supportive workplace cultures. Such factors were important in supporting sole mothers to balance work with care, with important implications for personal and family wellbeing.