Single parent on-line forums as learning communities

Abstract

In this chapter we draw on findings from two research projects (one completed and one ongoing) focused on “single motherhood/parenthood by choice” in three Spanish regions (Madrid, Catalonia and Valencia). So far, we have interviewed numerous single mothers and some fathers (over 100 in the three regions over a three year period) who have started family projects through adoption, fostering, assisted reproductive technologies or planned sexual intercourse; professionals involved in these processes (34 interviews in the three regions); and children from these families (13 children). Over the last three years we have also conducted continued participant observation in formative spaces related to the adoption process, events organized by single parent associations and adoption agencies and single parent virtual networks. A first analysis of our findings shows that there are significant differences between mothers who engage in family projects through assisted reproductive technologies and mothers who begin their family project through international adoption. The first group of mothers seems to have created a stronger group-identity and construe their parental projects in more agentic terms–appear more empowered in the process–than mothers who are involved in the international adoption route (Jociles & Rivas, 2009). These contrasts are visible across different forms of data such as semi-structured interviews, observations in social and associative gatherings, media and organizational documents in which single mothers participate. It is also visible in the activity and of the main virtual forums or online support groups (Stommel & Koole …