Through the Eyes of a Human

From my research as well as the interviews, I feel like I’ve stepped into the shoes of a single parent. The stereotypes about how “the child of a single parent will always grow up to be a damaged delinquent” have proven to be circumstantial. The outcome of a child has more to do with how their active parent(s) raise them more then the number of parents involved. I think everyone; (even single parents) would agree that raising a child with two involved parents is ideal. However, things don’t always work as planned. It is how you recover from bad situations that can be the best example for your child.

Another thing I realized is that single parents can be anyone. Whether it’s some millionaire businessman, or a 50 year old woman, or that strangely dressed punk guy downtown, I cannot judge the capability of that person as a parent unless I’ve understood the entire situation. There is a plethora of ways one can become a single parent, and this doesn’t always have a negative effect on a family. Considering the single mother from Aimee’s interview, I’m sure she didn’t plan on being a single mom, but she had to roll with the punches to give her daughters the healthiest life possible.

From this investigation into the lives of single parents, I’ve learned more about the process anthropological research. I found that I really needed to study the subculture of single parenting as an anthropologist would, by actually delving into the field with an open mind. In an earlier blog entitled “Methodology”, I wrote that I would stay as objective as possible in doing my interview. As an anthropologist, it is wise to be objective in your research and not make assumptions about a subculture based on your own interpretations, experiences and values. However, I’ve also realized there is an element of empathy that is also necessary in understanding other cultures and subcultures. I am just a human being trying to understand another group of humans, and I think a little compassion can go along way as an anthropologist. Cultures, customs and countries put a barrier between peoples, but when we look at someone else’s life through and empathic lens, we are able to find understanding and connections to our own lives.