I Wanted a Fresh Start from Where I Was: Rural Low-Income Women's Experiences of Multiple Partnership Transitions

Abstract

Focusing on the experiences of 22 rural, low-income mothers, this qualitative study uses a critical feminist perspective to examine the nature of and explantions for multiple partnership transitions. The findings indicated that mothers" multiple partnership transitions largely were motivated by gendered structural constraints that featured financial struggles, lack of support, and attempts to gain control despite family vulnerability. More supportive policies for mothers and children likely would increase healthier long-term partnerships.