Responses to welfare-to-work reforms and superannuation issues for sole mothers

The aim of my exploratory study was to provide an explanation of how sole mothers have coped with the impact of the Welfare-to-Work Reforms introduced in the Australian Budget of 2005, as well as how they might plan for their future. I employed a mixed-methods approach, and using the principles and processes of a grounded theory approach the inductively derived theory of finessing emerged. This parsimonious theory of finessing is a unique conceptualisation which illustrates and conceptualises the strategies invoked by sole mothers when dealing with both these short term and long term issues. I trust that my study can provide sole mothers with some strategies to assist them to cope. It may also provide a useful tool to frame future policy implementations, as it provides the individual, or micro, perspective of how policies impact at the grass-roots level.