Digital Parenting Models among Single Mothers in Bangkalan: A Case Study of Patriarchal Culture

Abstract

The high divorce rate in Bangkalan has forced many women to take on dual responsibilities as both breadwinners and caregivers. Patriarchal culture further restricts women’s roles within the family and society, thereby limiting the mobility of single mothers. In this context, the development of digital technology also shapes parenting patterns, creating both opportunities and challenges for single mothers. This study aims to describe the digital parenting models practiced by single mothers in Bangkalan within a patriarchal cultural context. A qualitative case study design was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using a pattern matching technique. The research subjects were single mothers raising children within patriarchal cultural structures. The findings reveal that all four digital parenting models are applied, although each single mother tends to be more dominant in certain approaches, particularly monitoring and active mediation. The challenges include the risk of children’s dependency on mobile phones, limited time due to dual roles, social stigma, and patriarchal pressures that result in inconsistent supervision. These findings indicate that the digital parenting practices of single mothers in Bangkalan are influenced not only by technological factors but also by the stigma and dual responsibilities attached to them within patriarchal structures.