This study explored identity development of mothers
parenting alone in Ireland at a time when there was a growing number of lone
parent families. Concurrently there was a pathologisation in both research
arenas and public discourse of this family structure. This Interpretative Phenomenological
Analysis (IPA) study incorporated Family Life Space Diagrams and
comprised individual interviews with five women. Four
superordinate themes emerged; ‘reconstruction of self’, ‘relational identity
development’, ‘impact of social factors on identity’ and ‘personal definitions
of lone motherhood’. These themes were explored within the context of
transition theories of motherhood and Herman’s (2001) theory of the dialogical
self. The importance of female support
networks was shown across all participants. With the absence of a partner, lone
mothers depend on their social network. The promotion of parenting groups for
lone mothers would strengthen these support networks. Opening up discourse on
the issue of parenting alone in Ireland may support a reduction in negative
stereotyping.