Household Maintenance and Decision Making in Lone Female Parent Families in Ghana

Abstract

This study investigates household maintenance and decision making among lone female parents in Accra using in-depth interviews and a survey. The study examines how lone mothers economically provide for their children and households and whether they make major decisions. The major findings are that the majority of single mothers through gainful employment bear the bulk of responsibility in the maintenance of children and the household in addition to making major decisions. Kin of lone mothers, on the other hand, mostly assist the women, especially the few unemployed mothers with providing for children, housing, and household chores. The majority of children’s fathers fulfill their responsibility in the payment of school fees; however, most do not provide for the nutritional and clothing needs of their children. The study concludes that single female parents to a large extent provide the needs of their households and are largely responsible for household decisions.