Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education

Region V

Schools Division Office of Sorsogon

BULAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Bulan, Sorsogon

LIVED – EXPERIENCES OF SINGLE FATHER IN

MUNICIPALITY OF BULAN

RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED AS PARTIAL REQUIREMENT IN THE

SUBJECT INQUIRES, INVESTIGATION, AND IMMERSION FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR 2023 – 2024

Bj Solomon Martinez

Hanna Mae Barbosa

Charlie Bandola

Abegail Buiza

Hanes Gernale

Cassandra Calleja

Joshua Lustan

Kyla Nicole Cantoria

Ma. Mica Gealone

RESEARCHERS
 CHAPTER I

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Republic Act No. 8972, more commonly known as "The Solo Parents' Welfare

Act of 2000." is a law in the Philippines that grants privileges to single parents.

According to RA 8972, "solo parent" was defined according to marital status and

molested women. A lady who brings up a youngster as ensuing to savagery is likewise

viewed as solo parent. In a similar vein, the term "solo parent" refers to a parent who has

been left with sole custody of a child because of the death, conviction, physical or mental

incapacity, legal separation, or prolonged absence of a spouse. RA 8972 says that solo

parents in the Philippines have 5.

Out of 94 million people overall, there are 14 million solo/single parents in the

Philippines as of 2017. 11.9 percent or 1.8 million of the 15.1 million families evaluated

in the nation had a solitary parent, according to the Department of Social Welfare and

Development (DSWD). In the next years, there will be a rise in the number of single

parents. In other regions of the world, single parents are also following this pattern (Stack

and Meridith 2017, Burgund et al. 2013, Iovan and Oprea, n. d.).

Single fatherhood is a phenomenon that has been increasing worldwide, including

in the Philippines. In the past, the role of the father in the family was often limited to

providing financial support, while the mother was responsible for the emotional and

physical care of the children. Despite the fact that the fatherhood is typically associated
with traditional gender roles, where men are perceived as breadwinners, and women as

caretakers, there has been a growing number of men who have taken on the role of being

a single parent ( Alampay, L. P., 2011 )

Fathers influence child development just as mothers do. Fathers’ involvement in

the first months is linked to babies’ cognitive development. Involved fatherhood

correlates with better academic performance in all socioeconomic groups. Sensitive

father-toddler play is linked to higher performance in math in preschool. Fathers’

involvement is likely associated with numerous aspects of social and emotional

development – the ability to make friends, less risky sexual behavior in girls, and better

behavior. Stronger father-infant attachment is linked to fathers caring more and playing

more.( Cabrera, N. J. et.al , 2000 ).

As with mothers, early adverse experiences in fathers can influence the

development of their children, with links to more inattention, anger, and anxiety in

children and also later self-harm and suicide. Mothers and fathers influence each other

and can compensate for deficiencies in each other’s parenting. A supportive father is

associated with anxious and stressed mothers parenting less harshly. When fathers take

more parental leave, mothers use less prescription medication. One parent with good

social support buffers a child from the ill effects of the other parent’s depression

( Cabrera, N. J., 2011 ).

Nurturing fatherhood is embedded in male biology. A father’s brain changes

when he cares for a baby. Neuroscience shows that fatherhood is similar to motherhood,

particularly when fathers care more, calling into question the idea of a “primary
caregiver” as anything other than a social arrangement. Mothers and fathers are equally

sensitive to their four-month-olds.( Kim, P., Rigo, P., Leckman, J. F., & Mayes, L. C. ,

2017 ).

There are currently an estimated 14 to 15 million solo parents in the Philippines,

95% of whom are women, according to a World Health Organization-funded study by the

Department of Health and the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health.

According to the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), single fatherhood is a significant

issue in the Philippines , with around 1.5 million households headed by single fathers

(PSA, 2019) .

However, despite the significant number, single fatherhood remains under

researched, with most studies focusing on single motherhood. Therefore, this study aims

to explore the lived experiences of single fathers in the municipality of Bulan, with the

hope of providing insights that can help improve social policies and programs that can

address their unique needs. According to The Federation of Solo Parents, there are

around 20 million single fathers in the country. Unlike in the past where single parenting

was for females, single parenting now affects both males and females. Single parent

families occur due to divorce, widowhood, separation, desertion or choice. According to

Gordon (2012), most of the single parents in the 21st century were widowed because

death of one partner was the most known reason for ending the marriage. The single

parent status has a number of effects on the families. One of the negative effects of single

parenting families is work overload of the custodian parent (Abankwa, 2013).

 Single father sometimes struggle to do everything by themselves with no one to

blame if it is not done. According to Thomas (2010), most single father face more

financial struggles compared to the two parent families. This situation may result in a low

standard of living affecting the quality of housing, clothing, food, education for the

family. The absence of one parent may affect the development of a child. The presence of

both parents from infancy creates a secure environment for the socialisation of children

(Stephen & Udisi, 2016).

The challenges facing single parents are numerous. Their predicament includes

having trouble with housework, playing both the mother and the father to a child, feeling

lonely when working away from the child, and having to work two jobs to make ends

meet. Financial worries are the main source of worry for single parents (Dawe 2005,

Burgund et. al. 2013). If not appropriately handled, the challenges of being a single

parent will affect the development of the kid. Between the Autonomous Region of

Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Caraga Region (Region XIII), the Bicol Region

came in third place in 2003. Philippines areas with the greatest rate of child poverty

(Castro 2010)

Due to the above factors the researchers became interested in investigating on the

lived experiences of single fathers. it is important to study about the lived experiences of

a single father because it gives awareness about the struggles of being alone in raising

children. Not only does this study give awareness to the readers, it also calls for the
governments attention that the government may strongly imply benefits for the single

parents.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The Objective of this case study is to explore the life experiences of single father
and indentify the challenges they face in raising their children alone. Additionally, this
study aims to investigate the coping strategies utilized by single fathers to balance their
responsibilities as a parent, provider, and individual, as well as the impact of their single
parenthood status on their overall well-being and life satisfaction.

Specific Questions:

1.) What is the lived experiences of single fathers in terms of:

a. Child rearing

b. Financial management

c. Household Management

d. Time Management

2.) How do these experiences affect the single fathers in terms of:

a. Social

b. Emotional

c. Physical

3.) How do these single fathers overcome challenges they experienced?

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

The study of this research is focused on the lived-experience of single fathers

residing in the municipality of Bulan. It will delve into the different aspects of their lives,

including their personal experiences as single fathers, the challenges they face, and the

support systems available to them. The study will aim to provide a comprehensive

understanding of their lived experience as single fathers in Bulan.

This research is limited to single fathers widowed and gay that has a minor

children/s (still studying) residing in the municipality of Bulan. The study will not cover

single fathers living outside of Bulan or those who are not currently raising their children.

The research will also be limited to the experiences of single fathers who have full

custody or primary custody of their children. Finally, this study will not cover the

experiences of single mothers or other family structures.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Single Father – A single father refers to a man who is solely responsible for the care and

upbringing of his child or children without a wife or partner.

Parenting – Parenting encompasses the activities and responsibilities involved in

nurturing, guiding, and supporting the physical, emotional, and social development of a

child or individual, typically in the role of a parent.

Financial Management- Financial Management is the process of planning, organizing,

controlling, and monitoring financial resources to achieve the objectives of an

organization.

Financial Aspect – The financial aspect refers to the monetary component of a business

or individuals operations and decision making. It involves managing and analyzing

financial data, including revenue, expenses, investment, debts, and assets, to ensure

financial stability and success.

Economic Aspect – The economic aspect refers to the analysis and management of the

production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in an economic.

Social Aspect – The social aspect refers to the relationship and interaction between

individuals and groups within a society.

Fatherhood – Fatherhood is the state or experience of being a father, which involves role

of a main parent in raising and nurturing a child.

Phenomenon – A phenomenon refers to a fact, event, or circumstance that can be

observed or experienced, often with some degree of regularity or predictability.

Widowed – The term widowed refers to someone who has lost their spouse, usually

through death.

Full Custody – Refers to a legal arrangement where one parent has been granted sole

physical and legal responsibility for a child or children.

Primary Custody – Primary custody typically refers to the legal arrangement in which

one parent has the majority of physical custody of a child, and is responsible for making

decisions regarding the child’s health, education, and general welfare.

Financial Assistance– Financial Assistance refers to any form of financial aid or support

provided to individuals or families who are experiencing financial difficulties or who are

unable to meet their basic needs.

Unique Dynamic of Single Fathers– Single fatherhood can present unique dynamics

and challenges, as the role of a father main differ from that of a mother in certain ways.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this study is to gain better understanding of the challenges

faced by single fathers and strategies they use to cope with them. This research will

provide insight into the unique experiences of single fathers and how they manage to

provide for their families. This research will help to raise awareness of the difficulties

faced by single fathers and the need for more support and resources to help.

Specifically, this study would be much beneficial to the following:

Father – This study provide insights into the experiences of other single fathers, which

can help fathers to better understand their own experiences and to develop strategies for

managing the challenges they face. This study can study provide information on the

sources available to single fathers, such as support groups, counselling, and financial

assistance.
Children – This study can provide children with a better understanding of the emotional

and financial struggles that single fathers may face, and how they can best support their

fathers in overcoming these challenges.

Policy Makers – This study can provide valuable information to policy makers by

helping them to better understand the unique challenges that single fathers face. This

information can be used to inform policy decisions that are designed to support single

fathers and their families.

Social Workers – This study can provide insight into types of resources and support that

single fathers need in order to successfully raise their children.

Other professional who work with single fathers – This study can provide insight into

the types of support and resource that single father needs, as well as the types of

challenges they face. This study also help professionals to better understand the unique

dynamics of single father families and how to best support them.

Future Researchers – Future researchers can use the information about single fathers to

gain better understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that single fathers

face. This information can be used to develop more effective interventions and support

services for single fathers, as well as to inform public policy decisions related to single

fatherhood. The data can be used to identify areas where more research is needed to

better understand the experiences of single father.

Community – The study about single fathers can provide valuable information to the

community by helping to better understand the unique challenges and experiences of

single fathers. This information can be used to inform policy makers, service providers,
and other stakeholders about the needs of single fathers and their families, and to identify

potential areas for improvement in services about the needs or single father and their

families. It can also help raise awareness of the importance of supporting single fathers

and their families, and to identify potential areas for improvement in services and

resources available to them.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter discusses the related literature and studies deemed to have significant

bearing to the present investigation. It also presents the Theoretical framework, and

Conceptual framework.

Review Related Literature

According to Goldscheider et al. (2015), Single parenthood is more likely to occur

when a child has a disability, creating a new area for potential intervention. According to

several studies (Albert, 2018; Bronte-Tinkew et al., 2010; Zhan & Pandey, 2004), single

fatherhood is associated with a higher socioeconomic position than single motherhood.

 According to Goldscheider et al. (2015), Men who were awarded custody of their

children were more likely to have a college degree, but having more money did not

increase the likelihood of a father being granted custody. However, a higher degree of

education is associated with a better socioeconomic position. These findings point to the

necessity for more research into the special needs of this group.

In many cases, divorced fathers suddenly need to learn and take on household

chores that their former wives previously performed when they were still together,

thereby changing and adding to demands that they face at home (Kruyfhooft,

Mortelmans, & Torfs, 2010).

This finding is also in line with the review of Coles (2015), who reported a clear

tendency of men to perform more household and childcare responsibilities when there is

no female partner in the home. The differences between divorced single fathers and

single mothers in our results signal a need for further research to understand how this

asymmetrical permeability between the work and family roles emerges in the life of

divorced parents.

According to the American Psychological Association. A single parent is on their

own when it comes to work, childcare, bills, and other elements of running a household.

They may be also working with financial challenges or a change in housing due to a
recent split. In addition, there are the other issues that may be at hand due to divorce or

the loss of a partner.

The burden of providing for a child may be hard for any adult (Ponnet et al.,

2013), but single parents experience these difficulties all by themselves. Males are

included in single mother research since many of the current studies on single parents

focus on how women cope with becoming single parents. (Ceglowski et al., 2010). By the

1960s, there was a lot of information available on single moms, with many of these

studies looking at the experiences of this group. (Mendes, 1976). It is not unexpected that

the majority of single parent studies concentrate on the mother's role given that women

are historically the primary caregivers (Wade, Veldhuizen, & Cairney, 2011);

nonetheless, this frequently leads researchers to utilize mother centered data to generalize

the experiences. (Ceglowski et al.,2010)

Single men have unique challenges and parenting styles, generalizing this

information about them might be difficult. (Dufur et al., 2010). Role expectations are a

significant area of these challenges for single parents, according to reviews of these

research. Role expectations include all aspects of childcare and disregard gender, while

Dufur et al. (2010) point out that there are differences in how mothers and dads parent.

DeJean et al. (2012) noted that because single moms are responsible for taking care of all

of the child's requirements, the demands of their roles are more difficult for them than for

dads.
 According to Threlfall et al. (2013), a parent's ability to care for their children

might be impacted by their financial situation. According to Waldfogel et al. (2010),

financial obligations are a source of stress for single moms since it can be difficult for

them to find professions that pay well enough to support their families. Given that they

frequently land better-paying jobs than women and are more likely to work full-time,

fathers may experience lower levels of financial stress. (Lerman, 2010).

Olsen et al. (2013) do note that fathers do experience financial restraints that

impact the activities they are able to do with their children. Although mothers struggle to

meet some of their financial responsibilities, they are more likely to use government

programs to help meet these income demands. Studies note that single fathers generally

have less economic stress than their counterparts with partners (Bronte-Tinkew et al.,

2010). (Jackson et al., 2010). Due to the negative preconceptions attached to government

assistance, fathers who have work difficulties may not seek it out. Children in lower

income regions utilize these services more frequently, according to Wight et al. (2010),

who also note that ethnicity might affect how frequently people use government

programs.

As society continues to become more accepting of gay men and lesbians, the

options for developing families are increasing. For example, the last decade has seen a

sharp rise in the number of gay and lesbian individuals and couples who are using

alternative means, such as adoption, surrogacy, and foster care to create families

(Brodzinsky, Lang, & Smith, 1995; Markowitz, 2000; Savage, 2000; Shapiro, Shapiro, &
Paret, 2001; Shernoff, 1996; Wells, 2000). This rise can be attributed in part to the efforts

of gay and lesbian advocacy groups, who have helped shape debates about the definition

of family in American society and worked diligently to advance attitudes about gay men

and lesbians, individually and in family units. One of the outcomes of this effort has been

an increased acceptance of gay men and lesbians as adoptive parents by both public and

private adoption agencies.

Review Related Study

This study involved a survey of parents who were identified as caring for a child

whose behavior they believed was difficult to manage and aimed to determine risk factors

which may be associated with that difficult behavior. Potential risk factors for problem

behavior, described earlier in this paper, include those related to the child, to the parents,

to the nature of the interaction between parents and children, to the presence of family

stressors, economic circumstances, and family structure among others (August,

Realmuto, Crosby & MacDonald, 1995; Hemphill, 1996; Mackenzie-Keating &

McDonald, 2001; Patterson et al., 1992). Data were collected on the presence of risk

factors in this sample using instrumentation described above and associations with

Achenbach subscales were investigated.

Over the last few decades of the 20th century, the proportion of children living in

single-father homes in the United States has increased by four times. The type of research

on single dads has likewise evolved and grown. Reviewing studies on single dads and
their families from the 1970s to the present, this article focuses on changes in technique

and theoretical foundations. In general, studies on single-father families have transitioned

from qualitative, father-centered research to quantitative, child-centered research, with a

focus on within-group diversity among single fathers. Descriptive studies were replaced

by experiments testing gender and microstructural hypotheses in the research process.

The paper finishes with recommendations for the future and highlights the key results on

lone fathers. This study found that single parent fathers encounter stress in their roles as

fathers. The stressors associated with parenting are similar for all families (single parent

fathers, married couples with children, and single parent mothers). These stressors

include too much to do in too little time (role overload), not being specifically trained for

many of the tasks (role insufficiency), having to answer to too many different family

members' demands (role conflict), and not being clear on all that is expected (role

ambiguity) (Deutsch and Krauss 1965; Greif and DeMaris 1990) his study found that

respondents felt strongly that single parent mothers receive more cultural support than

single parent fathers. This finding corroborates existing literature (Greif and DeMaris

1990; Nieto 1982) which has suggested that single parent fathers encounter cultural

discrimination and bias more than single parent mothers.

A study across 27 European countries found that single parents (in comparison to

cohabiting parents and married parents) had poorer health, with the United Kingdom

being substantially worse in this regard (Campbell et al. 2015; Van de Velde et al. 2014).

In addition, studies have shown that single parents also experience lower levels of mental

health and low psychological wellbeing (Ifcher and Zarghamee 2014), with more
extensive use of the mental health services (Cairney and Wade 2002). Brown and Morgan

(1997) examined marital status, poverty and depression in female parents over a 2-year

period and found that single parents were twice as likely as their married counterparts to

be in financial hardship (Brown and Moran 1997), despite being twice as likely to be in

full-time employment. Single parents have been shown to experience higher levels of

chronic stress (Cairney et al. 2003), loneliness (Baranowska-Rataj et al. 2014) and

depression (Jackson et al. 2000). Elevated distress levels were also identified in German

single parents compared to married mothers (Franz et al. 2003). Tein et al. (2000)

conducted a prospective longitudinal study of the relationships among life stress,

psychological distress, coping, and parenting behaviours in single mothers in the United

States. The findings showed that both major and minor events had a significant impact on

distress levels, with daily negative events having the largest impact on distress levels.

Theoretically, high levels of distress, low economic resources and a lack of stress

buffering resources may lead to poor psychological coping strategies amongst single

parents (Folkman and Lazarus 1980), however, this must be explored though the in-depth

examination of single parent experience.

A study by McLanahan and Garfinkel (2019) found that single fathers are more

likely to be living in poverty compared to single mothers, and that this economic

disadvantage can have a range of negative consequences for both fathers and their

children. According to O'Connell and Koralewicz (2005), single fathers may face

additional challenges in maintaining close relationships with their children after divorce
or separation, such as navigating custody arrangements and dealing with conflict with

their former partners.

In a recent study, Stacey and Biblarz (2001) hypothesize that there are between one

and nine million gay parents in the United States. The American Civil Liberties Union (1999)

suggests that the number is much higher, given their report that 6 to 14 million children in the

United States have a parent who is gay or lesbian. Patterson (1995) estimates that between

one and three million gay men in America are fathers, or about 20 – 25 % of self-identified

gay males in the United States (Bigner, 1996). Finally, according to data extracted from the

2000 US Census, there are 594,391 self-identified same-sex households in the United States.

Of these families, 21.8% of male same-sex households have their own minor children

(defined as sons and daughters of householders) living in the household, and 22.3% have

their own and/or unrelated children living with them (defined as sons and daughters of

householders, and other nonrelated minors). The numbers are even higher for female same-

sex households. Approximately 33% of these families report having their own minor children

living in the household; and 34.3% had their own and/or unrelated children living with them

(Simmons & O’Connell, 2000). Regardless of the estimations, one thing is apparent. There is

a significant number of gay men and lesbians who are also parents.
 SINGLE FATHERHOOD

CHALLENGES OF PARENTING
 Household Child rearing Time
Financial
Management Management

Balancing Managing Financial

Manage Taking Discip- Budge- Problem
Chores work and children
-ment Care line parenting schedule ting

RAISING A
CHILD

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework for this study is based on single father, Glaser and

Strauss's (1967), Grounded Theory, which will allow for the interpretation of the

collected data. The questionnaire being used is structured in an open-ended manner.

allowing the participant to provide a detailed account of his experiences as a single

father. The qualitative design will be discussed within the context of the research. To

understand the reasoning of the study, the reader will be provided with an overview of the

significance of the study. There is a lack of information surrounding single fathers

experiences, which signifies the need for the current research.

 This study addresses these issues and helps researchers understand single fathers

by using a qualitative approach to understand their perception of parenting. The findings

show fathers experience stressors when being a single parent as they identified childcare,

the absence of the child’s mother, finances, housing, medical insurance, and

communication issues as stress factors Surprisingly. This will provide information about

the specific stressors single fathers experience while raising their children. The purpose

of the study is to add to the currently available studies by identifying information that can

assist single fathers provide better care to their children.

Research on parenting identifies how there are daily struggles caretakers

experience that require them to have coping mechanisms that allow them to deal with

these struggles (Sanders, 2012). It is important to understand how these individuals feel

about caring for their children independently and obtaining a sense of what needs these

fathers have when taking on this role. Dual parent homes allow caretakers to share in the

responsibility of raising their children. Fathers face difficulties when taking on the single

parent role, including having to prove their ability to cure for their children alone

Parenting involves the activities caretakers engage in for the children’s benefit.

Background information surrounding the role of single parent will be presented in

this chapter, with a focus on the demands single parents experience while raising their

children. Caring for a child can be stressful, and for single parents there is an additional
demand to meet all the needs of the child alone as a single person (Umberson, Pudrovska,

& Reczek, 2010) Social support is identified as a key assistance for single parents

because it allows the parent to obtain assistance with meeting the needs of their children

(Jackson et al., 2013).

 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Research Designs

Yin (2018) defines a case study as "an empirical inquiry that investigates a

contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, especially when the boundaries

between the phenomenon and context are not clearly evident" (p. 18). In other words, a

case study involves an in-depth examination of a specific phenomenon or situation within

its real-world context, with a focus on understanding the complexities and dynamics of

the situation. According to Yin, case studies are typically conducted using a combination

of data collection methods, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and involve

analyzing data using qualitative methods such as content analysis and thematic analysis.

Case studies are often used to explore complex social phenomena or to test theories in

real-world settings.

The Participants

In selecting the participants of the study, the researchers will utilize non-probability

sampling technique that involves selecting participants based on a specific purpose or

criterion related to the research question. Purposive sampling is often used in qualitative

research, where the goal is to select participants who have knowledge or experience
related to the phenomenon being studied. According to Palinkas et al. (2015), purposive

sampling “involves selecting individuals or groups who are representative of or can

provide insight into the topic of interest” (p. 13). Purposive sampling is typically used

when the researcher is interested in exploring a specific population or group, such as

individuals with a particular condition, experts in a particular field. Or individuals who

have experienced a particular event.

The Instrument

According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2018, face-to-face

interviews are the most commonly used method of collecting survey data in the United

States. Followed by phone interviews and self-administered questionnaires. The

researchers will utilized face to face interview (semi structured) as well as direct

observation. According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2018, face-

to-face interviews are the most commonly used method of collecting survey data in the

United States, followed by phone interviews and self-administered questionnaires. This

will help for gathering the needed data and information in the study.

Data Collection Procedure

Before conducting this study, the researchers searched the internet for readily

available information in order to get supporting advice regarding data collection and

gathering. With the aid of a letter of permission they will be requesting, the researchers
will choose the volunteers and request permission. Following clearance, the researchers

will schedule an interview, pending the participant(s) and researchers’ availability. In

addition, a face-to-face interview and weekly observations will also be conducted by the

researchers in accordance with the predetermined timetable.

Data Analysis Procedure

To analyze the data gathered from the interview, the researchers will interview three

participants of Single Father. Exploring the lived-experiences of filipino single fathers

involves understanding the unique challenges and triumphs that single fathers

encountered in day-to-day life. Also, since the qualitative data are face-to-face interview,

voice record and transcript. A context analysis particularly be analyze by the researchers.

After the interviews, the researchers will conduct a narrative analysis in interpreting the

data. According to Riessman, C.K (2008). Narrative analysis is an interpreting method of

analyzing qualitative data that involves examining the stories and accounts that people

tell about the their experiences, and exploring the meaning and themes that emerge from

those narratives. It involves analyzing the structure, context, and context of the narratives,

as well as the language and imagery used, in order to understand the underlying values,

beliefs, and cultural norms that shape people’s experiences and perspectives.