Maternal Employment and Family Responsibilities: the Perspectives of Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract Over recent decades, there has been a substantial increase in the proportion of women in the workforce with dependent children. However, this trend is not evident for mothers of children with disabilities. Their employment levels are greatly reduced. The present paper examines the nature of the restrictions which affect the employment participation of these mothers and explores the meaning work has for them. The data presented in this paper were derived from qualitative interviews with 18 mothers of children with disabilities aged between 5 and 15 years. These mothers found employment difficult. They encountered unusual time demands, and a lack of adequate and affordable child care. Furthermore, they felt that their employment opportunities were restricted by attitudes prevalent in society concerning appropriate roles for women, especially mothers of children with disabilities. The lack of opportunities to engage in employment led, in varying degrees, to feelings of isolation, a lack of fulfilment and low self‐esteem. The mothers felt that they were on the periphery of society with little release from the pressures of caring. Mothers who had part‐time jobs often did poorly paid work of low status, thereby encountering few opportunities to use their skills and abilities to the full. Those who attempted a full‐time job experienced stress from the dual demands of home and work, and from a fear that they were failing as mothers. The present paper highlights areas which require attention to improve the employment experience of these mothers.