Managing Mothers Dual Earner Households in Early Parenthood

In essence this study is about the experiences of mothers who return to work after the birth of their first child - the factors that lead them to do so, the effects on their children, the effects on family life, the role (if any) of new fathers in enabling mothers to return to work, the difficulties experienced in the work place, and the frustrations of mothers who are brave enough to try for this 'dual career'. There is some statistical analysis provided, but there is also a heavy leaning upon interviews from the mothers themselves. The subject is of critical interest in terms of public policy, because the Government has an avowed commitment to encouraging mothers to return to the labour force. Indeed, amazingly, this is a major part of their strategy for coping with foreseen labour shortages over the next decade. This book reveals that, the latest budget notwithstanding, the Government has not really begun to understand what is required to make this option attractive to women.