Mekanisme Survival Selama Pandemi Covid-19: Belajar Dari Pengalaman Perempuan Single Mother di Perdesaaan Madura

Abstract

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic adds to the burden for single mothers. In addition to performing two functions at once, the pandemic forces them to survive difficult situations. This article describes the challenges facing single-mother as well as survival mechanisms during pandemics by phenomenological studies through direct observation and in-depth interviews conducted on single mothers in Ponteh Village. Data showed some of the challenges single-mother faced during the pandemic. First, there is an increase in double burden. One of the additional tasks for a single mother is the increasing burden of taking care of households needs due to their children’s schooling from home. Second, the decrease in income for household needs resulted from the government's mobility restriction policy. Third, the stereotyping of women (widows) that leads to social pressures. Survival mechanisms carried out by single mother during the pandemic are as follows. First, fostering optimism and taking care of each other. Second, using social relationships. Third, downsizing through reduced consumption and food substitutes, and fourth, diversifying and intensifying their jobs. This article therefore adds to the understanding that single mother women are no longer considered women who are unable to take care of their families when in fact they are able to overcome helplessness and difficult challenges.