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Exploring the Identities, Barriers, and Interventions for Motherscholars During a Global Pandemic

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Women in academia face many challenges, which have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is particularly true for women in academia who are also mothers. The authors conducted a phenomenological study examining these challenges and their effects on identity utilizing Super’s (1980) Life-Span Life-Space approach and Career Construction Theory (Savickas, 1997, 2005) as the theoretical framework. The participants identified and described the various ways they navigate their mother and scholar identities and the integration of their motherscholar identity. In navigating the pandemic at work and home, participants also reported changes to their identity as spouses/partners, and a sense of loss in their identities and roles professionally and personally. The authors outlined potential mental health implications and interventions for career counselors working with motherscholars.

Source: Journal of Career Development

DOI: 10.1177/08948453251323814

Authors: Tiffany P. Brooks, Amber N. Hughes, Katharina Azim, Stacey Herzog Bender, Jasmine L. Blanks Jones, Lucy Parker-Barnes, Kathryn E. Frazier, Jennifer Greene-Rooks, Summer Melody Pennell, Ivanna Richardson, Lynn M. Bielski, Jacquelyn N. Raftery-Helmer

Institutions: Lindsey Wilson College, California Institute of Integral Studies, Texas State University, Johns Hopkins University, Quincy University, Worcester State University, University of Vermont, Ball State University

Language: English

Topic: Work-Family Balance Challenges

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W4407844231

FWCI: 5.335

Cites: 48

Cited by: 3

Related to: 10