In countries where patriarchal society or government is deeply rooted, single mothers who are either by choice, widowed, divorced, or unmarried are stigmatized and judged harshly. Despite financial independence and education empowering many women, Indian society is not ready to accept single parents. They are always blamed for failed marriages which is very stressful and emotionally draining. The patriarchal society has made Sakuntala the carrier and preserver of tradition. The natural desires and instincts of Sakuntala are forfeited together with her individuality to preserve and honor the codes of culture and practice (Shakuntala, 2021). Culture bonded Sakuntala’s identity within the confinement of family decency and morality. Being a single parent, Sakuntala is forced to stay in the forest because of the male-dominated society (Shakuntala, 2021). She is rejected and humiliated by the patriarchal society, making it hard to raise her son.
Single parenting in India is very challenging, although there are various services that the changing community is providing single parents with. A single-parent network is a union that helps single parents understand each other in India (Support for single parents, 2021). Single parenting is made easy because the network of single parents supports each other in many ways. A similar network is present in my hometown, and it helps single parents guide each other on the various issues affecting them and their children. Some organizations offer emotional and financial assistance for single parents in India. They provide free counseling to single parents and motivate them in various ways, such as monitoring their children’s growth at home and school (Support for single parents, 2021). In my hometown, organizations such as “Let’s develop society” and “All women group” aid in helping single parents through the provision of therapists.
References
Shakuntala – The epitome of beauty, patience and virtue. (2021). Dolls of India. Web.
Support for single parents. (2021). Indiaparenting.com. Web.