Social democracy is the paradigm that proposes to see the equality of condition or at least the serious effort to reduce, as much as possible, major inequalities of wealth, income, social status, and political influence (Mullay, 2007.) This implies that the social democrats conspire to share the wealth of the rich with the rest of society and as a result, decrease the difference in living conditions. This is only to a certain extent, as we are not going to see everyone owning a luxury car just because wealthy people do, but we will have people who are living in poverty start to make their way out of poverty; being able to have food for themselves and still being able to afford a place to live.
In relation to single mothers, poverty has a profound effect on both the mother and the child. Single mothers often lack the resources (eg. finances and child care) to be able to go to school. Many adolescent or early adult mothers that I have seen either drop out of school so they can take care of their children or cannot afford to go to post-secondary institutes, which can be a major setback for future financial or employment stability. In some cases the mother cannot afford to feed both the child or children and herself. This can affect the growth and development of the child (or children) and the general health status of the family. Another issue affecting single parents is related to housing. Generally, because of lack of financial resources, single parents do not have many options for housing. They have little choice and are often forced to live in unsuitable conditions or with family.
I find that social democracy is best suited for single mothers because they will get the funding to help them take better care of not only their child but also of themselves. With a social democratic government there would be projects to help single mothers like free daycares that the government pays for, so that they can attend school. I am not saying that it will be fixed all at once, it would take time, but in the long run the effects of a social democracy government would help not only single mothers but people living in poverty and people living with a disability. Therefore, I believe that the social democratic government would be beneficial to society for the purpose of improving the living conditions of Single mothers living in poverty.
By Christopher Goulet
Mullaly, B (2007). The New Structural Social Work. Canada: Oxford University Press
I agree, social democracy would be very beneficial to single mothers as well as young single mothers of whom i know quite a few. As it believes in equal opportunity and chance for all, no matter differences in income, race, ethnicity, position in the social world. I cannot imagine the help that could go towards a young mother in need of food and shelter for her and/or her child(ren).
ReplyDeleteBelinda
Great post Christopher!! I too agree that it would be very beneficial for single mothers. Being the child of a single mother, I believe that we should help support these women and provide funding for food, shelter, etc. My mom worked very hard to give me a life full of opportunity, but many single mothers may have a difficult time providing for their families and having the support of the government would be much more helpful.
ReplyDeleteShauna
Great job CJ! I most defiantly agree, especially seeing it first hand with my best friend. Although there is help right now in a Conservative majority government, there is always room for more. These women have alot to deal with and any kind of help would be greatly appreciated. A government that would be of a more Social Democrate ideaology would most defiantly be of greater assistance.
ReplyDeleteJenn S
I completely agree with you when you say that a social democratic government would enable mothers to not only take care of her children but also themselves. Living with a single mother who also just migrated to this country as an immigrant made it very difficult for us growing up. Because we had no other family here, things like an affordable day care was so hard to find. She had to work much harder than she had to when I was young to ensure she could afford to have someone look after of me while she worked. If we had a social democratic government back then, things would've been much easier for my mom and I.
ReplyDelete- Adrienne
Good post! I agree that social democracy would be helpful for single mothers. I am starting to become more aware of the difficulties as I have a relative who is now a single mother. This is a very difficult position to be in having to support your children and yourself adequately. Even if you are working at a decent paying job you still have to consider carefully the costs towards childcare, school, food etc. Costs add up really fast and this can be very stressful for mothers especially if their family is not close by. I think it would be great for the government to step in more and give more assistance. Having a social democratic government would make it alot more affordable and less stressful for single mothers and their children.
ReplyDeleteLori
I agree with you that social democratic policy is beneficial for single women. As a single parent there are several things one always has to make sure that there is food in the fridge, a place to live, childcare, school etc. It is not easy unless one is able to receive support from family and society.
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