Working mothers, primary school age children and well-being

Abstract

Over the last years, research shows that female work force participation rate has increased because the number of working mothers is rising. This study is a preliminary exploration of the relationship between two categories of working mothers, and their children’s well-being. This research adopts a qualitative approach by using in-depth semi-structured interviews to six working mothers, all of whom work full-time, three working in white-collar jobs and three in blue-collar jobs. This study explores the different resources and various strategies the group of mothers employed to support their children’s well-being, most particularly their education. This study focuses on the mother’s education level and occupation and the relationship of these to their children’s well-being. According to Baker and Stevenson’s study (1986), well educated mothers are more concerned about their children’s achievements and education. However Reay (2004) has found that working class mothers also invest a lot of time and resources in their children. Present results show that differences do exist between white-collar job and bluecollar job mothers.