Open AccessThe Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Working Mothers: A Phenomenological Study
Author(s) -
Mary A. Hermann,
Cheryl NealeMcFall,
Jiale Man
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
world journal of education and humanities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2687-6779
pISSN - 2687-6760
DOI - 10.22158/wjeh.v3n2p15
Subject(s) - workforce , pandemic , covid-19 , psychology , interpretative phenomenological analysis , political science , medicine , sociology , qualitative research , virology , social science , disease , pathology , outbreak , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law
In this phenomenological study, we explored the experiences of 13 working mothers in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to this crisis, mothers in the workforce encountered barriers to their success. Study findings reflect that these challenges have been exacerbated during the pandemic as women experienced increased childcare and other second shift responsibilities. Results highlight participants’ strategies for navigating pandemic-related disruptions. Participants’ experiences further amplify the need for revision of women’s second shift expectations as well as better support for mothers in the workforce.