Parental Educational Support to Adolescents: Exploring the Role of Emotional Capital in Low-Income Single-Mother Families in South Africa
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| Title: | Parental Educational Support to Adolescents: Exploring the Role of Emotional Capital in Low-Income Single-Mother Families in South Africa |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Jacobs, Carmelita (ORCID |
| Source: | South African Journal of Education. May 2023 43(2). |
| Availability: | Education Association of South Africa. University of Pretoria, Centre for the Study of Resilience, Level 3, Groenkloof Student Centre, Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, George Storrar Road and Lleyds Street, Pretoria 0001, South Africa. Web site: http://www.sajournalofeducation.co.za/index.php/saje/index |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 9 |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Authoritarianism, Parenting Styles, Mothers, Parent Child Relationship, One Parent Family, Academic Achievement, Low Income Groups, Case Studies, Emotional Development, Emotional Response, Mother Attitudes, Participant Characteristics, Parent Participation, Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: | South Africa |
| ISSN: | 0256-0100 2076-3433 |
| Abstract: | In this article I explore the emotional resources activated by single mothers to support their adolescent children's educational journeys. Mothers' emotional work is often regarded as something that mothers must do (Gillies, 2006). However, this view does not recognise the power and influence that mothers exert to create opportunities for educational success. By centring the mother as the head of her family and drawing on the concept of emotional capital as a legitimate and valuable resource within single-mother families, it becomes possible to show how mothers in a low socio-economic community invest in their children's schooling. This article is based on a qualitative case study of single-mother families from a South African community. The findings show that the single mothers maintained strong bonds with their children, which enhanced perceived support and contributed positively to their education. Maintaining open communication channels, demonstrating authoritative parenting, and communicating pride in non-academic qualities were significant emotional practices that served to maintain these strong bonds. By engaging in these practices, these single mothers from low-income contexts activated their emotions strategically to support their adolescent child's education. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2023 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1392546 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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