Motherhood Penalty, a Silent Phenomenon: Unveiling the Challenges and Inequalities Working Mothers Encounter

Abstract

The motherhood penalty is a global issue that affects working mothers due to workplace norms, social biases, and systemic hurdles. This “silent phenomenon” results in discrimination and inequality for working mothers, often leading to stigma, guilt, and unrealistic expectations. The chapter explores the hidden challenges working mothers face, including cultural norms, and societal expectations. It also reveals structural barriers, such as discriminatory hiring practices, limited career advancement opportunities, unequal pay, and inadequate support systems. It discusses the emotional and psychological costs of the motherhood penalty, which include guilt, anxiety, self-doubt, mental health strains, and the sacrifices women must make to overcome this challenge. The chapter emphasises the motherhood penalty across countries and among industry players, comparing cultural perceptions to find potential remedies and best practices. It also explores how discrimination based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, and sexual orientation interacts with the motherhood penalty, highlighting the overlapping identities that exacerbate the difficulties faced by working mothers. The chapter offers policy proposals to make workplaces more inclusive and supportive of working mothers, emphasising the importance of empowerment and support. The chapter ends with a call to action, encouraging readers to speak against the motherhood penalty and support legislative changes.