The intersectional experiences of African-Caribbean, Bangladeshi and Pakistani single mothers based in England

Single motherhood has been a contentious subject in Britain. Yet there remains a lack of research which focuses on the complex experiences of global majority single mothers based in England. Drawing on interview data from two studies, this article addresses this gap in analysing the experiences of three often stigmatised and misunderstood groups - African Caribbean, Bangladeshi and Pakistani women experiencing single motherhood. In this paper, we examine how their lived realities are varyingly shaped by gender, class, ethnicity, religion and culture and the challenges and opportunities this presents. We identify similarities and differences within their experiences and understand these in relation to their intersectional identities and social positioning. We highlight the constraints and distinctive pressures these mothers face, as well as their agency and resourcefulness. We argue for greater inclusion of and attention to these populations in research on single motherhood and a collective valuing of mothers’ care work. Key words: single mothers, intersectionality, African-Caribbean single mothers, Bangladeshi single mothers, Pakistani single mothers, ethnicity.