Beyond the Work-Family Narrative: Promotion of Gender Equality among Brazilian Working Mothers
Abstract
The aim of this study is to describe difficulties in balancing the roles of worker and family member, based on the opinion of mothers from different regions of Brazil (nNorth = 8; nNortheast = 29; nSouth = 53; nSoutheast = 422; nMidwest = 13). The qualitative question “Tell us a little about your role as a worker and if there are any difficulties that interfere in this
occupation” received 525 answers. Data was analyzed with Thematic Content Analysis. Of the three categories and six subcategories that emerged, the reports brought experiences related to the hardships of organizing one’s own time, excessive demands, prejudices experienced and feelings of overload. Long hours of work, high workload, lack of support networks and little participation of men in household and care tasks stand out as problems that stall mothers from balancing roles; and thus, stall the promotion of gender equality in society.
Keywords: work-family balance, motherhood penalty, work-family enrichment, role, working mothers, gender equality.
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