Work

Combining Dyslexia and Mothering: Perceived Impacts on Work

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Previous studies have provided an insight into the lives of disabled mothers, but little attention has been paid to disabled working mothers. This paper draws on interviews with women who had a formal diagnosis of dyslexia, to discuss: particular difficulties when combining work and mothering; the perceived positive impacts on work and education, of becoming a mother; unsupportive managers; what some mothers found helpful in order to maintain work; and the diversity between experiences. We conclude that for those already on a career path before having children, some of their experiences could have been seen as an amplification of what other working mothers face. However, a difference was that the added time taken up with mothering meant they became more vulnerable to ‘exposing’ their impairment at work. In contrast, for dyslexic women who were yet to attain a high status in education and work, motherhood encouraged them to initiate their career.

Source: Gender Work and Organization

DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12102

Authors: Tina Skinner, Fiona MacGill

Institution: University of Bath

Language: English

Topic: Work-Family Balance Challenges

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth, Gender equality

Open Access status: green

Funder: University of Bath