Abstract
This study comprehensively analyzed the daily problems for single-parent families in Okinawa. First, we analyzed a survey of single-parent families in Okinawa published by the prefectural government. Then, we showed the results from questionnaires and interview surveys of single-parent families, which focused on the relationship between child age and daily problems of single-parent families. Finally, we adopted the life-course perspectives to understand why and how the daily problems of these families occurred over time. In Okinawa, single-father families have troubles mainly in childcare and education because of the fathers’ poor skills at housekeeping or childcare. In contrast, about half the single-mother families have troubles as a result of their poor economic condition: limited job opportunities, inadequate childcare services, and difficulties in finding affordable housing were the most important problems. As children grew up, the daily problems of single-parent families changed gradually. When children were small infants, most of the single mothers worried about difficulties in finding jobs because of the age of their children and the care required. When children entered nursery school, most single mothers started thinking about future education for their children: there was a problem funding that education. In the same period, the balance between job opportunities and use of childcare service became a serious problem for single mothers. As children enter elementary school, the problems of single mothers became more complex than before: difficulties in 1） finding jobs suited to their childcare schedule, 2） balancing locations of jobs, residences, and after-school childcare services, and 3） gaining a stable income so that children can afford higher education. In order to solve these problems, total care in matters of employment, childcare, and housing was required. Support from local government, groups like the association for single-mother support, and relatives must contribute to filling these needs for single-parent families.
