Korean mothers’ career aspirations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal qualitative study

Abstract

Working mothers face challenges in pursuing their career aspirations due to work–family conflict. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has posed added challenges for working mothers by increasing care demands while also causing numerous health, economic and social disruptions. In this paper, we examine the impact of COVID-19 on Korean working mothers’ career aspirations. We employ a longitudinal qualitative design by analysing 64 in-depth interviews with 32 mothers of young children in South Korea. By interviewing the same women before (2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), we are able to document how working mothers’ career aspirations were impacted by COVID-19. Findings show that all working mothers in the sample experienced increased care demands due to COVID-19. However, the influence of COVID-19 on working mothers’ career aspirations hinged on gendered beliefs related to childcare responsibility. When working mothers believed or were subjected to beliefs that mothers should be the primary caregiver for children (gendered care belief), their career aspirations were tempered or relinquished. On the other hand, those who believed that mothers should not be held solely responsible for childcare (gender egalitarian care belief) continued to pursue their career aspirations or experienced career advancements during COVID-19. Findings suggest that beliefs related to care responsibilities play an important role in working mothers’ pursuit of their career aspirations, and potentially their future careers.

Childcare sharing and family happiness: analyzing parental and child well-being in the actor-partner interdependence model

“…In other words, the first hypothesis of the study was supported. This is in line with research by Nam and Sennott (69) which highlights that the extensive role of mothers in childcare, which is deeply rooted in traditional gender role norms, is often unrecognized and undervalued in Korean families. Despite the intensive nature of modern parenting, societal expectations of mothers as primary caregivers remain entrenched, resulting in their contributions being seen as obligatory rather than extraordinary, and thus not significantly enhancing the happiness of mothers themselves, their partners, and their children.…”

Natural hazards and life course consequences in a time of pandemic

“…The next study provides complementary insights to Wielgoszewska et al Nam and Sennott (2023) report on a longitudinal qualitative study of 32 working mothers of young children in South Korea focused on how mothers' career aspirations were affected over the course of 2019 and 2020. All working mothers experienced increased care demands with the onset of the pandemic; however, career aspirations were influenced by beliefs about who should be responsible for childcare.…”