Problems and Gaps in Charitable Social Service Provision

A Thematic Analysis of Lone Mothers' Experiences

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Keywords:

charity, basic needs, liberal welfare state, poverty, social service provision, neoliberalism

Abstract

This paper provides insights into problems and gaps with community-based charitable service provision based on the experiences of 25 low-income lone mothers in Ottawa, Ontario. It draws on semi-structured interviews and up to six weeks of text messages from participants sharing their in-the-moment and post-encounter reflections accessing charities for a range of goods and services. Findings illustrate that participants experience challenges related to quantity, frequency, quality, fluidity, and fit of services, alongside broader barriers to access. These challenges impact their ability to meet their needs and have far-reaching implications on their overall well-being and membership within society at large.

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Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Occhiuto, K. (2025). Problems and Gaps in Charitable Social Service Provision: A Thematic Analysis of Lone Mothers’ Experiences. Canadian Review of Social Policy Revue Canadienne De Politique Sociale, 83. Retrieved from https://crsp.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/crsp/article/view/40414

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Articles