Document Type

Seminar Paper

Date of Original Version

2013

Abstract

The Motherhood Penalty is an ongoing problem in the United States as many women find themselves working full-time after becoming mothers. Women who become mothers are perceived as less competent, less committed, and thus less employable and/or promotable in the workplace. Unfortunately the status of “mother” has certain perceptions associated with it that are incompatible with the image of an “ideal worker.” Given this reality, the purpose of this research, which uses a literature review, is to examine the reasons for the Motherhood Penalty, the theory behind the negative perceptions of mothers, and how women and organizations can confront these realities.

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