Balancing caring and paid work in the UK: narrating ‘choices’ as first-time parents

Abstract

Paid work is generally accepted as an important dimension of hegemonic masculinities and men's identities, which can become heightened when they become fathers. Changes in global economies together with educational shifts and other demographic patterns mean that paid work has become a significant feature of many women's lives too. Increasingly across Europe women who are mothers combine caring, domestic chores, and paid work. Using data from a qualitative longitudinal study on women's experiences of transition to first-time motherhood in the UK, this paper will explore how women narrate and reconcile their decisions either to return to paid work or not to, following the birth of their first child (Miller 2005). These findings are considered alongside a companion study on men's experiences of transition to first-time fatherhood (Miller 2011). The comparison shows that women articulate work and caring decisions in narratives which convey a sense of ‘guilt’, whilst the men are able to talk more freely – and acceptably – about ‘career progression’ and the importance of work to their identity and their new family. Even though recent research points to some changes in men's involvement in caring and women's increased activities in the work-place, particular aspects of these arrangements remain seemingly impervious to change.

Keywords:

• motherhood
• fatherhood
• gender
• caring
• work-life balance
• narratives

Notes

1. It is important to note that paid work is not always a choice for mothers but an economic necessity. This has been the case for ‘less privileged women (for instance, immigrant women, women of color) who have historically been important economic actors both inside and outside the home’ (Segura 1994, p. 47).

2. See: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/-Paternityrightsintheworkplace/DG_190788.

3. The fatherhood study included a fourth interview with nine of the original participants at two years following the birth of their child.

4. Statutory maternity leave policy in the UK currently entitles women to up to 52 weeks’ leave. Levels and lengths of pay will depend upon length of employment conditions being met.

5. Although two participants in the fatherhood study do eventually reduce their working days (concentrating their working hours into shorter working weeks).