The challenges faced by stepmothers and stepchildren in a family setup.

Abstract

The study sought to assess the challenges faced by step mothers and step children in their families at Namakgale township, Phalaborwa in Mopani district, Limpopo province in the Republic of South Africa. A qualitative approach was employed in this study and a sample consisting of 5 step mothers and 5step children was purposively sampled and interviewed. The findings indicate that stepmothers and step children are in acrimonious relationships which revolve around disrespect, rejection and jealousy hence they are always at logger heads. The source of conflict originates from accepting each other (step mother and step child) as members of the same family; competition for the love of father-husband and distribution and utilization of financial resources in the family. Consequently both the step children and step mothers are stressed by their strained relations; hence they seek counselling services from social workers, teachers and other relatives in order to cope with the unbearable conditions they live in. The study recommends that societies join hands and support stepfamilies to erase the stigma of step mothers being portrayed as evil and that society teaches step children and step mothers norms and values of respect, tolerance, love and harmony in order to create a healthy family relationship.