Shaming of lone mothers pursuing doctoral education: a feminist autoethnography of entering academia

This study examines the shaming and social discrimination faced by lone mothers pursuing doctoral education in Finland. The research is based on feminist autoethnography and my personal experience as a lone mother who has completed a doctoral degree. Lone mothers face significant socio-economic challenges that affect their educational opportunities. The study reveals that lone mothers often experience both admiration and criticism from their communities, which can lead to feelings of shame and decreased self-esteem. The findings show that external and internal discourses related to lone mothers’ doctoral education can cause emotional paralysis and slow down their academic progress. This study aims to disrupt institutional and societal conversations about educational gender equality and to contribute to a shift in the value climate that liberates lone mothers from social shame.