Social exclusion and lone mother families: experiences of migrant women in the city of Madrid

Abstract

This paper aims to analyse the experiences of social exclusion of migrant women heading single-parent families. To this end, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with migrant women with dependent children living in Madrid as part of a qualitative study. The results allow us to identify the dimensions of single parenthood that define the social exclusion experienced by the participating women, including unwanted single parenthood (especially linked to situations of gender-based violence), economic inequality, and the challenges of single parenting. The results also enable us to characterise these exclusion processes based on job insecurity, difficulties in reconciling work and family life, and difficulties in accessing decent housing, as well as the inadequate responses offered by social benefits.

The results enable us to conclude that migrant single parenthood, particularly when related to gender-based violence, exacerbates the economic and social vulnerability of women and their families. It is therefore essential to develop public policies and support programmes that recognise and address these issues by providing adequate resources and assistance to improve the quality of life of these women and their children.