"He's Not Mr. Right, He's More Like Mr. Now"* Patrifocal and Matrifocal Discourses Among Homeless Mothers in Kentucky

Abstract

Examined the coping strategies of homeless mothers, including their perceptions regarding the centrality of the men in their lives. In-depth interviews of 68 homeless mothers (mean age 27 yrs) reveal similarities and differences, as well as a continuum of approaches to gender relations. Although differing in race/ethnicity and place of origin (rural vs urban) among other factors, the majority of the women experienced unstable and abusive households and social relationships while growing up. Most did not complete high school and had their 1st births while still teenagers. Two primary approaches to gender relations were observed: (1) women with a matrifocal worldview tended to perceive themselves as the primary agents in their own and their children's lives, and (2) women with a patrifocal worldview tended to see a man as their provider and as the solution to their crises. These 2 discourses provide new theoretical insights into the social relations and behavior of homeless mothers and contribute to the development of assistance programs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)