The Invisible Village: An Exploration of Undergraduate Student Mothers’ Experiences

Courtney Kensinger and Dorlisa J. Minnick ()
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Courtney Kensinger: South Central Community Action Program
Dorlisa J. Minnick: Shippensburg University

Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 2018, vol. 39, issue 1, No 11, 132-144

Abstract: Abstract This study explored the experiences of mothers in college using a qualitative design. Results showed that a lack of financial resources was the chief barrier for student mothers in their educational pursuits while social/emotional support was the most important contributor to student mothers’ success in college. Participants relied heavily on student loans to cover costs of childcare or family to help watch their children. Role conflict experienced by student mothers has implications on family and college retention. Implications of this study included the adaptation and revisions of policies at the state and federal levels in addition to implications at the university level. Limitations of the study included a lack of racial and ethnic diversity and only including student mothers currently enrolled in college. Several recommendations for future research are described.

Keywords: Undergraduate student mothers; Gender; Women; Role conflict; College campuses (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1007/s10834-017-9535-6

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