ABSTRACT
Myths and stereotypes that negate the reality of the lives of black single mothers are pervasive in contemporary Britain. A social work practice that does not question these myths and reproduces negative stereotypes of black women is itself racist. White social workers need to understand the different and sometimes contradictory views held within the black community about motherhood and marriage, and how racism and sexism interact to shape black women’s lives. This chapter critically assesses various models of social work intervention among black single mothers. It also surveys a black voluntary project to illustrate how an anti-racist and gender-sensitive approach can be developed.
