單親女性之債務處理司法程序的經驗分析

Abstract

臺灣自2007年起實施「消費者債務清理條例」，雖債務人得以透過更生與清算等法律程序進行債務重整或解除債務責任，然實務上，多數債務人特別是單親家庭女性，面對的不僅是財務困境，還包含性別角色期待、育兒責任、社會污名與資訊落差等多重挑戰，亟需從生活脈絡中理解其債務處理經驗。本研究採用質性研究方法，以半結構式深度訪談方式，針對六位已完成債務處理程序之單親女性進行訪談，蒐集其債務形成、處理與重建過程的敘說資料，並運用主題分析法進行資料分析。研究從中歸納出數個主題，包括：「債務歷程的轉捩點與面對」、「正式與非正式資源的介入與協助」、「支持網絡與心理韌性的重建」、「制度落差與性別困境交織下的挑戰」等面向。研究結果發現，債務對單親女性造成生活與心理的嚴重衝擊，從經濟匱乏、身心壓力到社會排斥，形成一種隱性的社會傷害；然而透過理債過程中的正式資源如法律扶助、自救會、社福體系及宗教團體的介入，為其提供法律協助與情緒支持，協助其了解程序、穩定情緒並重建信心。同時，家人、子女與信仰等非正式支持力量，亦在其生活低谷中扮演關鍵角色，是促使其堅持下去與完成程序的重要力量。然而，本研究亦指出在制度層面仍存在諸多限制，包括資訊不對等、程序門檻、制度歧視與對單親女性角色的不友善等，導致債務人需投入更多個人努力與情緒代價，才能取得制度應有的保障與資源。研究者並發現，受訪者於完成債務處理程序後，普遍出現對自身角色的重新定位，並強化其家庭責任與未來規劃能力，顯示債務處理不僅是一種法律行動，也是一段心理與社會重建的歷程。本研究建議未來相關政策與實務應發展更多元之債務協助措施，強化跨專業合作與社區資源整合機制，以協助弱勢債務人更有效運用多元支持網絡，進而重建生活與尊嚴。Since the implementation of the “Consumer Debt Clearance Act” in Taiwan in 2007, debtors have been able to restructure or discharge their debts through legal procedures such as rehabilitation and liquidation. However, in practice, many debtors—especially single mothers—face not only financial difficulties but also multiple challenges, including gender role expectations, caregiving responsibilities, social stigma, and information disparities. Therefore, it is essential to understand their debt settlement experiences within the context of their everyday lives.This qualitative research adopted semi-structured in-depth interviews with six single mothers who had completed judicial debt settlement procedures. Their narratives regarding the formation, handling, and rebuilding process of debt were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four major themes emerged: “Turning points and responses in the debt journey,” “Involvement and support of formal and informal resources,” “Reconstruction of support networks and psychological resilience,” and “Challenges from institutional gaps and gender-based structural issues.”Findings show that debt imposed significant life and psychological burdens on single mothers, ranging from economic deprivation and emotional stress to social exclusion—constituting a form of invisible social harm. However, through the intervention of formal resources such as legal aid, debtor self-help organizations, social welfare systems, and faith-based groups, participants received legal and emotional support, helping them understand procedures, stabilize their emotions, and rebuild confidence. Informal support from family members, children, and religious beliefs also played a vital role in sustaining them through difficult times and encouraging completion of the process.Nevertheless, the study highlights systemic limitations including information inequality, procedural barriers, institutional bias, and the lack of gender-sensitive approaches. These factors often forced debtors to invest additional personal effort and emotional labor to access the support they needed. After completing the procedures, participants generally redefined their roles, strengthened their sense of family responsibility, and developed future plans, indicating that debt settlement is not only a legal process but also a journey of psychological and social reconstruction.The study recommends that future policies and practices develop more diverse forms of debt assistance, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, and integrate community resources to better support disadvantaged debtors in rebuilding their lives and dignity through the effective use of formal and informal support networks.