Defying Stereotypes: A Conversation about Single Motherhood
There's a cultural bias against single parenting culminating in an assumption of which such households are incomplete, unsatisfactory, and empty.
However, there are gender nuances as well, with strong allegations that single mothers are particularly negligent, irresponsible, and sometimes even promiscuous.
This gender dimension also carries a litany of allegations that single mothers cannot pursue their dreams or become successful resulting in their exclusion from mainstream society.
Of course, it cannot be denied that single motherhood would be a challenge.
However, a quaint school in South Korea decided to overcome this obstacle.
Welcome to the Zaona School for Single Young Adult Mothers: a school for providing education and prioritizing opportunity for such people.
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Originating in Spain and gradually extending to Korea, this school was founded to provide opportunity to women restricted access from education and work.
The school itself offers women’s dorms and accommodations for both the mothers and the children while it is run by a handful of nuns. It also provides several classes for their largely high school aged students with a goal to help them pass the qualification test, graduate high school, find college, and earn work.
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Most importantly, this school noticed the stories of resilience and persistence that came from each mother and shed light on their ability to fill the emptiness that so many people believe to be felt in single parent households.
This being said, Zaona goes beyond traditional education, dividing their purposes into 3 categories: hand, head, and heart which represent experience, academic learning, and community service respectively.
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Note: Following interview has been translated from Korean
Q: With the conservative society of Korea, there has probably been much judgement for being a single mother. How was this mindset received and handled?
A: There are several negative connotations with being a single mother. Thus, society approaches them with a very apathetic attitude. Many people think, “Why do we need to help if it was their choice? It’s their life, why would I support them?” Several families also follow the belief that if you don’t marry but end up pregnant, it is unacceptable. Hence, parents often want abortion, but of course the women here were pro-life. Thus, families refuse to acknowledge their daughters, resulting in these women either leaving their home or being forced out.
Q: What are the reactions when people show sympathy or pity?
A: Sometimes, of course, it is difficult. For example, one of the mothers here went to the subway, still pregnant with her child. However, people refused to leave the seat reserved for pregnant women.
These women are proud of their children. They thank people when others help them. They’re strong and optimistic when facing their situations.
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