| Abstract [eng] |
Poverty culture is a complex phenomenon characterized by the transmission of certain patterns of behavior, thinking, traditions, and practices that prevent individuals from escaping poverty. Single-mother families are one of the most common and experience the highest levels of poverty in Lithuania. This group of individuals faces social difficulties such as unemployment, deprivation, stigma, and childcare issues. These challenges can also affect the well-being, psychological and physical health, development, perception, and behavior of the child growing up in such a family. However, not many detailed studies have been conducted in Lithuania about the experience of single-mother families being involved in the culture of poverty. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to examine the reasons why single-mother families living in rural areas are involved in the culture of poverty and to reveal the possibilities for women to leave it. In order to achieve the goal of the work, qualitative research method was chosen. The research aims to examine the values, behavior, thinking and other aspects fostered by the subject in the family he grew up and created, which encourage involvement in the culture of poverty; to analyze the difficulties faced by single-mother families; to reveal their future expectations; to find out the need for psychosocial support and the resources available to women to leave culture of poverty. For the implementation of these tasks, a biographical narrative interview was chosen as a method of data collection, which allows to hear the voice of the women themselves. Genograms will also be used to understand multigenerational family relationships, the causes of family members' behavior, and the origins of the attitudes they follow. The qualitative method of thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke (2006) was used for the analysis of the obtained data. As a result of the research, it became clear that poverty in generations was caused by such features in the history of the subject's family and kindred, such as cherished values: assuming responsibility for family members, constancy in relationships, the desire to preserve the family; attitude towards one's situation - fatalism, mistrust of others, low self-esteem, self-comparison with others; mothers' behavior - unemployment, lack of education, survival strategies; the behavior of other persons towards women: renders them powerless, stigmatizing them; low internal and external motivation; character traits: modesty, humility, closedness, indecision; communication skills - inability to name one's needs, detachment from the community, inadequate problem solving; addictions and mental illnesses – addiction to alcohol, tobacco, depression; feelings: fear, despair, loneliness, insecurity, self-doubt. The possibilities of single mothers to leave the culture of poverty are defined through their internal and external resources: internal resources are associated with character traits specific to them, such as endurance and perseverance to change their lives, the ability to organize and plan available resources, the ability to enjoy small things, creativity and adaptation. External resources are understood as multifaceted help provided by the family, community, social and psychological institutions, which is often insufficient. From this arises the need for psychosocial assistance - the research found that a more favorable situation for women would be ensured by the help of a social worker in addictions, child care, work and other issues. On the other hand, they do not have enough information about the services provided by specialists, in addition, they are afraid to seek help because of the possible consequences for themselves and their children. Also, women express positive expectations for the future: changes in the place of residence and work, ensuring the well-being of children, better physical and emotional health, which can become aspects that motivate women. |
