A Dyadic View on the Post-separation Network of Single Mothers

Dimitri Mortelmans; Wendy Verheyen

doi:10.18778/1733-8077.7.3.04

Authors

Dimitri Mortelmans University of Antwerp, Belgium
Wendy Verheyen University of Antwerp, Belgium

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8077.7.3.04

Keywords:

Divorce, Social Network, Social Support, Grounded Theory, Dyadic Analysis

Abstract

Many empirical studies have focused on the quantitative changes in the social networks of divorced and separated people. In this qualitative study, we use interviews with dyads to construct a two-sided view of the support network after separation. The aim of the study is to gain insight into the needs for support after a relational breakup. Including a network member in the analysis enables a more detailed view on the interaction at hand in the bond between these women and their supportive network members. The results show that personal coping resources are left untouched. Giving advice on ones daily activities is counter-productive. This is better understood by non family members compared to the women’s parents (especially the mother). With respect to the reciprocity in these relationships, network members do not expect a return in the period after the separation.

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Author Biographies

Dimitri Mortelmans, University of Antwerp, Belgium

Dimitri Mortelmans is an Associate Professor at the University of Antwerp (Belgium). He is the head of the Research Center for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies (CELLO). His principal research interests lie in the is sociology of family and labour. His main research topics cover divorce, work-life balance and career patterns.

Wendy Verheyen, University of Antwerp, Belgium

Wendy Verheyen is a Research Assistant in the Research Center for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies (CELLO) at the University of Antwerp (Belgium). She works on gender issues and divorce.

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