The Becoming of Worker Mothers: The Untold Narratives of an Identity Transition.
Abstract
The article discusses the struggle of worker mothers to balance their care and work identities.
Emphasizes that existing research often overlooks personal experiences of motherhood in relation to work.
Utilizes a liminal identity work perspective to examine identity tensions faced by professional women transitioning to motherhood.
Conducted a qualitative study featuring 80 narrative interviews from worker mothers across several regions (Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa).
Two coexisting narrative themes emerged: * First narrative: Linear process of motherhood characterized by identity loss and eventual return to work. * Second narrative: Transition to motherhood is continuous and ongoing, challenging the linear view.
Introduction
Despite extensive research on work-life balance, worker mothers still face challenges in balancing their identities as caregivers and professionals (citing Gatrell et al., Hochschild & Machung).
Existing literature primarily focuses on organizational structures impacting mothers while neglecting personal experiences (citing previous studies).
Introduces the liminal identity work perspective to explore tensions during the transition into motherhood.
Emphasizes that the journey of motherhood involves cultural and historical context, disrupting the traditional narrative of a singular transition.
Theoretical Framework
Motherhood, Subjectivity, and Identity
Definitions: * Mothering: A continuous process involving identity formation with and through the child (Kromidas, 2021). * Motherhood: Often viewed through the lens of ideology and social expectation (Rich, 1976).
Contemporary views argue for redefining motherhood beyond rigid socio-economic contexts, focusing on individual subjectivities and the potential for transformation (e.g., Knott, 2019).
Gender studies reveal the dual nature of mothering as both restrictive and transformative.
The role of government policies historically framed motherhood, impacting women's autonomy and identity construction.
Identity Work
Identity work is about how individuals narrate themselves within contexts of societal expectations and roles (Alvesson, 2010).
Identity work is fluid, temporary, and contested, heavily influenced by social interactions and contexts.
A dialogical approach recognizes that identity is formed from the interplay between personal narratives and societal expectations.
Becoming a Worker Mother: A Liminal Identity Transition
Liminality: Defined as an intermediate transitional stage in a rite of passage (Van Gennep, 1960) that reveals how identities can transform when social structures are suspended.
The three stages of the liminal process: 1. Separation: The initial disengagement from prior identity upon becoming pregnant. 2. Liminality: The confusion and redefinition of self during maternity leave. 3. Aggregation: The emergence of a new identity as a 'worker mother' not necessarily completing the transition.
Methods
Research Design
A qualitative approach utilizing narrative interviews to gather lived experiences from 80 professional women transitioning to motherhood.
Participants were recruited through purposive sampling ensuring diversity across regions and cultures, utilizing digital platforms and snowball sampling methods.
Interviews were conducted in English, Spanish, Arabic, or German, primarily online via Zoom due to the global scope of the study (average length: 45 minutes).
Data Analysis
Thematic and narrative analysis was conducted; transcripts were coded for patterns and emergent themes reflecting shared experiences and challenges.
Distinction between two narratives emerged during thematic analysis: - Linear narrative of motherhood with a focus on organizational continuity. - Liminoid narrative emphasizing the never-ending process of identity work.
Results: Becoming a Worker Mother
Liminal Linear Narrative
Separation (Pregnancy at Work)
Experiences of detachment from professional identity triggered by pregnancy; feelings of stigma emerge as women prepare for maternity. - Example quote illustrating stigma and loss of professional identity (Lily, NA).
Identity tensions arise due to perceived incompetence and career progression hindered by pregnancy. - Quotes from Georgia and Natalia demonstrate changing perceptions during pregnancy.
Liminality (Maternity Leave)
Experience during maternity leave characterized by instability, loss of social and professional identity, challenges with self-worth and purpose (e.g., Susi's experience of feeling lost).
Emotional struggles and loneliness highlighted, compounded by societal expectations of motherhood. - Instances of support from communities and family adjust the experiences positively (e.g., Georgia's mention of maternal circles).
Aggregation (Returning to Work)
The re-integration phase sees worker mothers attempting to navigate their new identity while managing misconceptions about their capabilities. - Example from Sarah and Amelia underscores the perceived limitations and expectations faced by worker mothers.
The process of aggregating identities reflects their need to perform effectively at work while fulfilling maternal roles, often described as a juggling act.
Vital to acknowledge personal growth, new skills gained during maternity, and challenges in asserting professional identity (e.g., Joanne's view on clarity and discipline from motherhood).
Liminoid Process of Mothering
The ongoing chaos and identity transformations described through overbearing emotions like fear and guilt, some workers find themselves in perpetual liminal states. - Quotes highlighting feelings of disconnection and dislocation (Alex and Barbara's experiences).
Mothers articulate a lack of aggregation, projecting feelings of constant movement without stability, akin to pushing rock uphill (Eve's metaphor).
Contextual Differences Framing the Narratives
Social and Cultural Expectations
In regions like North America and Europe, there exists a strong expectation for mothers to return to work post-birth; societal constructs idealize this return despite challenges.
Contrarily, in regions like Africa and Latin America, mothers are seen primarily as caregivers, emphasizing caregiving over professional roles, reflecting sociocultural expectations. - Joanne’s experience echoes cultural nuances impacting identity transitions.
Social and Institutional Support
Variability in maternity leave policies and societal supports shape experiences; more support leads to more positive identity transitions (Mariah's perspective on Canadian benefits).
Highlight differences in paternal leave expectations that influence maternal experiences globally (contrast between the US and Canadian policies).
Discussion
Research findings highlight maternal journeys as inherently liminal and complex, illustrating evolving identity struggles extending beyond initial transitions.
Emphasizes the dynamic interplay of societal expectations, personal narrative construction, and identity work required for combining ‘worker’ and ‘mother’ identities.
Findings suggest organizations need to rethink their assumptions about motherhood's impact on women’s professional roles.
Contributions & Implications
Identifying motherhood as a complex social and cultural construct paves the way for new organizational practices that foster support for working mothers.
Insight into identity struggles suggests that enhancing emotional and institutional support can yield better engagement and retention of working mothers.
Conclusion
The transition into motherhood involves significant identity transformations; many women experience liminality that aids in structuring and negotiating their roles.
Research sheds light on how contextual factors influence individual identity work, promoting understanding of 'worker' and 'mother' as interconnected roles, rather than oppositional.
Future organizational designs should integrate considerations of motherhood in policy-making, ensuring inclusive environments for working mothers.