While we often focus on what is going on for our children during COVID-19, we may miss the impact that it has on parents. Particularly for mothers who are working while maintaining their role as a caregiver. There is often an overwhelming set of circumstances that can cause a great deal of anxiety, depression or other related emotions.
Sociologist Jessica Calarco has done some research on this topic and has published an interview where she speaks to some of the stressors on moms who are working and maintaining their family. Here are some summary comments about this interview.
Jessica Calarco, associate professor of sociology at Indiana University, is studying women struggling to balance work and parenting during the Covid-19 pandemic. She explains how societal pressures and our own ideas about motherhood, along with systemic failures, are causing working mothers to suffer greater anxiety and depression than before the pandemic. But she says there are ways workplaces can help.
This is a topic that is often ignored so drawing attention to our moms is an important consideration as we assess and provide help for the many stressors of COVID-19. It may take some time to listen to the article but she raises some very significant issues for moms and for employers of women who are in the workplace.
For those who are concerned or involved with working moms I hope you find this interview helpful.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
