Living to Survive: Causes of and Solutions to Poverty among Single Mothers Sabrina Mikes Faculty mentor: Sarah Hernandez New College of Florida
This purpose of this research was to explore the causes of and potential solutions to poverty among low-income, white, single mothers in Sarasota, Florida. In order to complete this, I conducted in-depth interviews with 5 mothers. I found that bad partners and divorce, the role of single motherhood, low quality work, and inaccessible resources were all major contributors to poverty among the women. Solutions ranged from individual development to community support and structural change. I ultimately argue that ideological and economic transformation are necessary for alleviation of poverty among these women which can shed light onto solutions for the larger population. Sabrina Mikes is a 4th year thesis student at New College of Florida. She studies Sociology and takes special interest in the intersections of class, race, and gender as well as the potential solutions to these inequalities.
