Balancing Work and Care: Exploring the Effects of Women’s Paid Employment on Children’s Development

Abstract

Despite growing female workforce participation, societal norms still prioritize motherhood over professional roles. This study examines how maternal employment affects children’s well-being, and challenges concerns about maternal absence. Using mixed methods, focus groups, interviews, and a survey of 400 households, the study finds that employment can enhance children’s nutrition, health, emotional development, and education. However, issues like reduced parental attention, poor childcare access, behavioral challenges, and lowered self-esteem also emerge. To ease work–family conflict, the study recommends family support, supportive policies, including flexible work, remote options, and workplace childcare, to promote both maternal well-being and positive child outcomes.