4.3 Introduction
In previous modules we have drawn the links between high risk issues, and explored the dynamics of abuse and substance use. The women we met in these modules were all pregnant or parenting young children. In this module, we will explore the issue of mothering 'under duress' (ie. while facing some or all of these issues). Pregnancy is a gendered issue (for obvious biological reasons), as is parenting in our society ? Over 85% of single parents are women, and in two-parent relationships, women do the vast majority of the work it takes to raise a child. In this module, we will explore some of the other ways that gender, parenting, and high risk issues are linked. While, we will "walk in the shoes" of a few different women in this module, it is the first module to not be based around one woman's story. Instead it includes an article for you to read, while continuing to provide opportunities for you to interact with the material presented.