Thematic analysis of the experience of being a single mother by choice.

Abstract

This study explores single motherhood by choice analyzing the discourse of selected women who actively decide to become single mothers. Specifically, it focuses on knowing their experiences and investigating the challenges faced by these mothers. A qualitative method was used, in particular, a thematic content analysis. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the information. Through a detailed analysis of the interviews, two thematic blocks were obtained that help to understand the experiences of the mothers interviewed: "The decision to form a family" and "Challenges of being single mothers by choice: Normalization". It is found that the conventional family model is present in the construction of the social practices that shape the fact of being single mothers by choice. It is considered necessary for psychosocial intervention professionals to have a set of knowledge and tools that allow them to understand the aspects linked to social change that arise from the experience of new family forms. It is demanded that these professionals, mainly social workers, include family diversity as a central field of research and intervention in their disciplines.