Abstract:

Despite the wealth of information highlighting the harms of social exclusion, there remains a significant research gap in understanding women's specific experiences of social exclusion in motherhood and its social impacts. (Byvelds & Jackson, 2019).

Parents, especially mothers in socially excluded regions, grapple with challenges due to subpar living conditions that can detrimentally affect child development. They experience chronic stress (Hricová, 2017) and often have low levels of education. These factors influence their parenting style, including communication and interactions with their children (Ziková, 2011).

The study focuses on understanding parental competencies among mothers from socially excluded areas. The aim of the research investigation is to explore how mothers from excluded localities perceive their parenting competencies and gain deeper insights into these abilities within the context of socially excluded environments.

For the purpose of our study, a qualitative research approach was chosen, which allowed us to explore the phenomenon profoundly. The major tool for data collection was semi-structured interviews, whose questions were constructed in accordance with the concept of the Parenting Competency Model defined by Johnson et al. (2014). The research cohort consisted of 13 respondents coming from socially excluded localities and raising a child under the age of 1. Within the data analysis phase, the grounded theory method (Švaříček and Šeďová, 2014) was applied to extract deeper meanings and concepts implicit in the data. Based on the analysis, a model with a central category “Mother-Child Interaction” was created. Further, more profoundly described categories were 'demonstrations of affection', 'eating', 'bad habits', 'didactic aids' or 'health care'. This model describes the key topics of parenting competencies of mothers from excluded localities and their interrelationships.

The results of the data analysis from interviews with mothers from excluded localities suggest that their perception of parenting abilities is significantly impacted by external factors like limited financial prospects and restricted healthcare access. Research findings show that mothers from excluded localities are interested in creating a suitable environment for their children, but often lack safe and quiet housing. Despite adverse conditions, they show strong affection for their children and are actively involved in their health care. Some respondents have limited awareness of children's developmental needs and perceive verbal communication with their child at an early age as less important. Yet, research has shown that these mothers are trying to fulfil their parenting role to the best of their ability, with positive attitudes towards motherhood and the joy of caring prevailing.

Research on the perception of parenting competencies by mothers from excluded localities provides important insights into the complex nature of this phenomenon in the context of specific living conditions. This study may become a basis for the development of targeted support programmes that reflect the perceived challenges and needs of these mothers and contribute to improving their parenting role. In particular, the findings point to the need to provide mothers with more information about their children's developmental needs and to strengthen parenting support so that they can better overcome external constraints and fully develop their parenting role.

Keywords:

socially excluded locations, parental competencies, mothers.