Organisation familiale du ménage monoparental féminin dans la province du Sud-Kivu en République Démocratique du Congo

Abstract

This study was carried out to contribute to the knowledge on the family organisation of the female single-parent household in South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It sets out to analyse the daily organisational model of these households, their relations with extended families and relational networks. The results showed that there is a plurality of variables that influence this organisation: the social ecosystem (in urban areas: Bukavu, semi-rural: Mudaka, rural: Kaziba), family composition, forms of single parenthood (passive, foster mothers, mothers who entrust their children to family members, active), head of household, the mode of acquisition of living space (occupation status, occupancy rate per room), types of activities, income, family ties, dependents, survival needs. In addition, the sociological and socio-economic profile has a direct or indirect influence on the organisation of these households. However, women heads of household develop strategies according to the socio-cultural resources and income from various activities. Traditional practices of solidarity, family solidarity and relational networks also contribute to the organisation of these households, depending on the geographical context which allows for a favourable environment for the different forms of single-parent households.