The experiences of single mothers and the existing research trends in South Africa: a rapid review

Abstract

This study sought to rapidly review existing literature on single motherhood in South Africa. The study employed a qualitative research approach using a rapid review design. The research used the SALSA technique as an elaborative methodological process. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using several databases on the EBSCOhost interface, and the keywords were single parenting* or single mothers*, or lone mothers* and South Africa. Nine articles were included for data analysis using thematic data analysis. Four broad themes emerged from the data: trends in research foci on single motherhood in SA, contextual factors related to single mothering in SA, challenges related to single mothering in SA and the South African research landscape on single mothering. The findings indicated an intersection between social class and race in the understanding of single motherhood in SA. Additionally, the results revealed an interplay between single motherhood and the environment. Notably, the results suggested a shift from a negative to a positive conceptualisation of single motherhood, also highlighting the theoretical insights related to the strengths of single motherhood in SA. Finally, the results identified gaps and opportunities for future studies within the scope of single motherhood in SA.