Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
This chapter covers the background of the study, the statement of the problem. The
chapter also discusses the objectives of the study and the research questions, the
significance and scope of the study, conceptual framework and organization of the
study.
1.2 Background of the study

The word family can have different meanings .The term refers to a group of two or
more persons related by birth, marriage, adoption, and residing together in a household.
A family includes the householders among its members (U.S Bureau of the Census,
2000).Furthermore family is defined as two or more persons who love and care for each
other. These share resources, responsibility for decisions, values and goals and have a
commitment to one another over time. (American Association of family and Consumer
Sciences, 2004). Families provide emotional, physical, and economic mutual aid to their
members. It is characterized by intimacy, intensity, continuity and commitment among
the members (Association for Children and Family, 2000).
But also there are family structures which are more complex as a parent decides to rear
a child or children out of wedlock for whatever reasons. (Ortese, 1998) When this
happens it creates a single parent family. Single parent family is a family with children
headed by a parent who is a widowed or divorced and not remarried or by parent who
has never married, (Krapp and Wilson, 2005). A single parent family is becoming a
societal challenge as its number is increasing rapidly. Conventionally religious
establishment, media and most of the government entities define the ideal family as that
comprised of two happily married, heterosexual biological parents living with their
children, (Smith, 2008).
Despite parents being responsible for the psychological, emotional welfare, educational
and career development of their children, divorce and separation of various kinds or
death of one spouse may leave the role in the hands of single parent .Many children are
being reared by single-mothers, who seem to struggle making ends meet living below
the poverty line; though some few women are rich the majority are poor. Perhaps,
single-mothers and fathers do not have as much time as required to participate fully in
their children’s schooling, thus adding to the problems for children of single-parent
families (Ferrell, 2009).
According to the United States Census, the figure of children who are dependent and
live with only one-parent rose from 9% in 1960 to 27% in 2010, causing considerable
concern among policy makers and the public. Researchers have identified the rise in
single-parent families as a major factor driving the long-term increase in child poverty
in the United States. The effects of growing up in single parent households have been
shown to go beyond economics, increasing the risk of children dropping out of school,
disconnecting from the labour force, and becoming teen parents.
Experts in children development have revealed that children who are raised by single-
parents are likely to experience trauma and ultimately to develop bad behaviours which
may affect such children throughout their lives (Tesha, 2011) Single parents have
experienced even far greater challenges as they have to be both mother and father to
raise their children. In such a situation, a single-parent is in one way or another obliged
to play two roles in raising the child and many cases it becomes a problem to the
children.
Tanzania historical evolution has significantly influenced family structures, particularly

the rise of single-parent house hold. During colonial period Tanzania (formerly
Tanganyika and Zanzibar) experienced disruption to traditional family systems due to
forced labour and migration (Illiffe, 1979). Also the post –independence period
witnessed shifts in gender roles and family dynamics, with economic development
efforts impacting the structure of Tanzanian families (Mushi, 2005). Economic reforms
in the 1980s and 1990s, part of the broader structure adjustment programs, contributed
to challenges such as unemployment and economic hardship influencing family
structures (Kessy, 2005).
In recent decades, urbanization, changing gender roles, and increased access to

education have continued to shape family structures in Tanzania (Makulilo, 2015).
However, these challenges such as economic disparities and strain of balancing work
and family responsibilities, particularly for single parent. This study, therefore, attempts
to investigate the challenges that single parent families face in parenting youth in
Kigamboni Municipal Dar-es-salaam Tanzania.
1.3 Statement of the problem

From the background information, single parented children are increasing in number in
Tanzania as the evolution of family structures, particularly the prevalence of single-
parent households, has been influenced by historical events and socio-economic
changes. Economic strain and insufficiency pose significant challenges for single-parent
families, impacting their ability to provide for the material needs and well-being of their
youth (Mushi, 2005).
Balancing work responsibilities with parenting duties is a formidable challenge for

single parents in Tanzania, potentially resulting in less time for effective supervision,
guidance, and quality interactions with their youth (Kessy, 2005). The emotional well-
being of both the parent and the youth is often compromised due to the absence of a
supportive co-parenting relationship (Mwaluko et al., 2003).
Moreover, single-parent families in Tanzania face social stigma and discrimination,

hindering the creation of a supportive environment within communities (Iliffe, 1979).
Community dynamics vary across regions, impacting the effectiveness of support
systems for single-parent families (Makulilo, 2015).
The combination of these factors raises concerns about the overall well-being of single
parents and their youth in Tanzania, particularly in regions like Kigamboni Municipal.
This study intends to look at the challenges that single parent families face in parenting
youth from their own words and not to rely on documents. Therefore the researcher
have decided to study the challenges in Kigamboni municipal Dar-es-salaam which is
manageable and will be able to give indicative views on the challenges that single
parent families face in parenting youth.
1.4 Research objectives
1.4.1 General objective
The general objective of this study is to investigate the challenges faced by single-
parent families in parenting youth in Kigamboni Municipal, Dar es salaam.
1.4.2 Specific objectives

i. To assess the economic challenges encountered by single parent families in
Kigamboni Municipal and their impact on ability to provide for the material
needs on their youth.
ii. To examine the work-life balance and parenting duties of single parents in
Kigamboni Municipal.
iii. To investigate the emotional support systems available to single parents and
their influence on mental and emotional well-being of both parent and the youth
in Kigamboni Municipal.
1.5 Research questions

i. What economic challenges do single parent families in Kigamboni face and how
do these impact their ability to provide for the needs of the youth?
ii. How do single parents in Kigamboni manage between work responsibilities and
parenting duties?
iii. What emotional support systems are available on single parents in Kigamboni,
and how do these impact the well-being of both parent and the youth?
1.6 Significance of the study

The findings of this study can inform the development of targeted policies and
interventions to support single-parent families in Kigamboni Municipal, addressing
specific challenges identified in the research. Policymakers can use the insights to
design programs that enhance economic opportunities, work-life balance, and emotional
support for single parents, ultimately contributing to improved family well-being.
Understanding the challenges faced by single-parent families in Kigamboni will enable

the identification of gaps in existing community support systems. This knowledge can
guide community leaders, organizations, and individuals in developing initiatives that
foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for single parents and their youth.
The study adds to the body of knowledge on family dynamics and parenting challenges
in Tanzania, with a specific focus on Kigamboni. Researchers and scholars can build
upon these findings to deepen their understanding of the socio-economic factors
influencing single-parent families, contributing to the academic discourse on family
studies and social sciences.
Understanding the challenges faced by single-parent families can have a positive long-
term impact on the youth in these families. Tailored interventions and support systems
can contribute to a conducive environment for the educational, emotional, and social
development of the youth, potentially breaking cycles of disadvantage.
1.7 Scope of the study

The study will focus specifically on Kigamboni Municipal in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
While the challenges faced by single-parent families may have broader implications, the
research narrows its scope to this specific geographical area to provide localized
insights.
The participants in the study intends to include single parents residing in Kigamboni
Municipal. Both male and female single parents from diverse socio-economic
backgrounds will be considered to capture a comprehensive understanding of the
challenges faced.
The research will explore economic challenges, work-life balance, emotional support
systems, social stigma, and community dynamics as they relate to single-parent families
in Kigamboni. These specific challenges are chosen based on their potential impact on
the parenting of youth.
Also, this study intends to investigate existing support systems available to single
parents within Kigamboni Municipal. This includes formal and informal support
structures at the community level, workplace policies, and any government or non-
governmental initiatives.
By defining the scope in these terms, the study aims to provide a focused and in-depth
analysis of the challenges faced by single-parent families in Kigamboni Municipal,
facilitating meaningful insights and recommendations for the benefit of the local
community.
1.8 Organization of the Study

The study will be organized into five chapters; chapter one to chapter five. Chapter one
is concerned with introduction and background to the Study, statement of the problem,
objectives of the study, research questions, significance of the Study, conceptual
framework and organization of the study. Chapter Two covers a review of relevant
literature in relation to the challenges facing single parent families. Chapter three is
about research methodology, which covers research approach, research area, the target
Population, sample and Sampling techniques, data collection methods, validation of
instruments, data analysis plan and ethical considerations. Chapter Four dwells on data
Presentation, analysis and discussion of the research findings and. Chapter five
comprises a summary, conclusions and Recommendations

Chapter One

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter One

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter One

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

CHAPTER ONE

1.2 Background of the study

Tanzania historical evolution has significantly influenced family structures, particularly

In recent decades, urbanization, changing gender roles, and increased access to

1.3 Statement of the problem

Balancing work responsibilities with parenting duties is a formidable challenge for

Moreover, single-parent families in Tanzania face social stigma and discrimination,

1.4.2 Specific objectives

1.5 Research questions

1.6 Significance of the study

Understanding the challenges faced by single-parent families in Kigamboni will enable

1.7 Scope of the study

1.8 Organization of the Study

You might also like