Abstract:

This study investigated the perceived effects of single-mother parenting on students’ academic performance in selected high schools in Free State, South Africa. The study is informed by Weiner attribution, Bandura social learning and Symbolic interactionism theories. These research questions were formulated.
(1) What is the relationship between single mother parenting and students' academic performance?
(2) How do single mothers perceive their parenting roles in enhancing their children's academic performance?

The Mixed Method approach, as well as convergent parallel design, was employed in this study. Questionnaire and semi-structured interview were used to obtain data from the respondents. A sample size of 176 respondents (160 students between grades 9 and 12 and 16 single mothers) was selected using simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Quantitative data obtained from the students through a questionnaire were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 while the qualitative data obtained from single mothers through semi-structured interview were analyzed using content analysis.

The findings of this study revealed that there is a significant relationship between single mother parenting and students’ academic performance. Furthermore, most single mothers interviewed were effectively performing their parenting roles by highly involved in their children’s education, this, in essence, indicated a positive effect on their children’s academic performance.

Based on the findings of this study, It is, therefore, recommended that the government should intensify the provision of free counselling services in supporting single mothers to wake up to their responsibilities with confidence since single motherhood is not a plague. In summation, the government should establish an agency to train and motivate young single mothers to ensure that their children realise their potential.

Keywords:

Single mothers, parenting, academic performance, high school students.