The Experiences of Employed Women Related to their Maternal Role: A Phenomenological Qualitative Research

Regarding recent social and economic changes and developments and the increasing presence of working women in society, paying more attention to the importance of maternal role among working women who face multiple roles is necessary. Therefore, this study describes the experiences of working women related to their maternal role.

This was a qualitative research, in which the phenomenological approach was used. The participants were selected from women working in one of the units of Islamic Azad University, Iran. Purposive sampling was used to select 9 participants. In-depth interviews were the main data collection method. In addition, data were analyzed through Colaizzi’s method. Reliability and validity of the present study was rooted in the four axes of real value, applicability, continuity, and being based on reality.

Data analysis led to the extraction of 414 primary codes, 25 subthemes, and 7 main themes including different pregnancy, supportive umbrella, role alteration, role overlap, role strain, gradual adaptation, and erosion.

The acceptance of numerous roles, such as maternal and marital roles, by working women results in various role expectations of them from their children, spouses, family, and the society. This, in turn, forces them to meet both familial and occupational needs and expectations. However, since maternal role is considered as one of the most important roles of women, this obviously, intentionally or unintentionally, can affect the maternal role and cause role conflicts for working mothers. Based on the findings of the current study, this important role of working mothers is accompanied by much hardship and difficulty and it is a completely different process than that experienced by non-working mothers. Since this may affect their physical and mental health, it necessitates more attention.