Formal and Informal Support Systems for Single Women and Single Mothers in Malaysia

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore how formal and informal supports were being experienced by single women and single mothers in Malaysia. Closely examining formal and informal support systems reported by single mothers and single women in Malaysia, participants generally reported good and were mainly satisfied with their informal support system. Informal support system comprised of mostly family members and friends. However, formal support system was still lacking and both single women and single mothers were more likely to report an “unfriendly” formal support system. Findings provide important policy and theoretical implications suggesting the need for a more gender-sensitive governmental policy and practice.

Keywords

• informal support system
• formal support system
• single women
• single mothers
• Malaysia