Single motherhood in urban India remains an under-researched yet rapidly growing socialphenomenon marked by structural disadvantages and cultural stigma. This qualitative study exploresthe lived experiences of single mothers in Delhi to understand the multifaceted challenges they faceand the coping mechanisms they adopt. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depthsemi-structured interviews were conducted with 30–40 single mothers from diverse socio-economicbackgrounds. Thematic analysis revealed four major domains of concern: economic vulnerability, socialexclusion, psychological strain, and institutional barriers. Respondents reported systemic employmentdiscrimination, income instability, and overwhelming childcare costs. Socially, they faced moraljudgment, peer alienation, and gendered surveillance. Psychologically, the study identified cycles ofguilt, identity overload, and emotional fatigue, often mitigated through spiritual or therapeuticresilience. Encounters with welfare, legal, and healthcare systems frequently reproduced patriarchalnorms, further complicating their navigation. The study offers critical insights for policy reform,welfare programming, and inclusive urban planning that center the voices of single mothers. Weselected Delhi as an optimal research location due to several compelling factors. As a prominentmetropolitan hub and the nation's capital, Delhi offers access to a diverse demographic of singlemothers originating from various regions, ensuring a comprehensive representation of experiences.The city's unique urban landscape, characterized by both modern development and deeply ingrainedtraditional societal norms, provides a rich context for examining how single mothers navigatecontemporary challenges alongside enduring cultural stigmas. Furthermore, Delhi's high cost of livingand limited formal social safety nets significantly exacerbate the economic vulnerabilities faced bysingle mothers, making their struggles particularly pronounced and thus highly relevant for in-depthinvestigation. This convergence of diverse populations, complex socio-cultural dynamics, andsignificant economic pressures positions Delhi as an exceptionally insightful environment for thisstudy.
Babita Chaudhary (Sun,) studied this question.