Divorced mothers in Kazakhstan: A preliminary assessment of their financial and social issues

Abstract

This research assesses the economic and social issues faced by middle-income divorced mothers heading single-parent families with minor children in Kazakhstan. The economic and social status of divorced-mother families in Kazakhstan is an unexplored area of research. Current Kazakhstani laws do not recognize the legal status of divorced mothers. Therefore, after divorce, a family’s status is recognized as “incomplete family.” This research provides a preliminary assessment of the economic and social difficulties faced by divorced mothers. It is the author’s goal to identify particular problem areas and policy challenges relevant to divorced mothers in the area of economic and social stability. Interviews with key stakeholders were performed to 1) assess the current difficulties faced by divorced mothers, 2) identify the conditions of legal support offered to divorced mothers that face problems recovering alimony payments from their ex-partners, and 3) understand the extent of social support that divorced mothers receive from the government. This research concludes with an offering of numerous policy recommendations for each of the major issues identified.