An exploratory study : access and mobilization of social capital by single parents in Singapore.

Abstract

This qualitative study uses the accounts of 16 single parents to develop understanding of their perceptions of social capital, their access to it and how they mobilize it. In doing so, it draws on Coleman’s (1988) hypothesis on single parent households facing a deficit in social capital due to their structural deficiency. However, the findings of this study indicate that despite the recognition of their lack of resources, single parents are able to actively compensate it through the use of bonding and bridging social capital. The strong ties of single parents with their family and friends as well as “weak ties” with community organizations and religious and educational institutions serve as a useful resource in obtaining social support and social leverage. The importance of the use of bonding and bridging capital by single parents is enhanced due to the limited role of the state in its aid in provision of access to resources, which can be attributed to its objective of discouraging the formation of single parent families in Singapore.