Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Human Services
Advisor
Tracey Phillips
Abstract
In the United States, the number of single mothers among Blacks has steadily increased over time, with single motherhood being associated with a higher level of poverty and other social problems. Unfortunately, these adverse effects have led to a low rate of college completion among children of low-income Black single mothers, which has resulted in a cycle of generational poverty. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to identify the beliefs and practices of low-income Black single mothers who influenced successful college completion among their offspring. Data were collected using semi structured interviews of eight low-income Black single mothers who were recruited through purposeful and snowball sampling. Baumrind’s influential model of parenting styles guided this study. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The key findings revealed that the participants wanted their children to have a better life, knew that education was important for success in life, and believed that certain values and qualities were necessary to encourage educational success. They also emphasized early education, both formal and informal; learned to maneuver around barriers; were willing to make sacrifices that led to educational success; maintained a good support system; and maintained strict rules and structure that fostered learning. This study contributes to the current body of literature by addressing the issue of reducing generational poverty and achieving positive social change through education.
Recommended Citation
Akere-Azeez, Michelle Arlene, "The Beliefs and Practices of Black Single Mothers Who Promoted College Completion Among Their Offspring" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12244.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12244
