Abstract

ROSSINI, Ana Paula Pagan  and  MESSIAS, João Carlos Caselli. Challenges of young children working mothers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Rev. Subj. [online]. 2022, vol.22, n.1, pp. 1-13. ISSN 2359-0769.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5020/23590777.rs.v22i1.e12327.

From the beginning of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic created, on a global scale, profound impacts on the way people live. Work relationships were drastically and suddenly changed, with the adoption of teleworking being one of the most common solutions. This new scenario implied professional and family adjustments, in addition to causing psychic wear and tear. The present study aimed to understand the experiences of 10 working women mothers of children between zero and six years old who worked in alternative forms of work. The method used was qualitative phenomenological and, from individual dialogic encounters, comprehensive narratives were elaborated and later compiled into a synthesis narrative with results analyzed from the Demand-Resources Model (JD-R). The structural elements of the phenomena identified were: a) focus on personal or professional life; b) isolation and overload; and c) engagement x exhaustion. It was possible to verify that working women who are mothers of young children face difficulties maintaining emotional balance and quality of life. Experiences of overload derived from the multiplicity of roles, as well as the perception of restrictions for career advancement, were also detected. Having a structured support network and with the effective participation of other actors is seen in a positive way when it occurs, but, unfortunately, the feasibility of these resources still only occurs through the organization of the women themselves. Because of these results, the importance of more effective social and organizational policies is highlighted for the favorable working conditions promotion, as well as the valorization of flexible modalities of bonding with work and social awareness regarding gender inequalities.

Keywords : stress; work psychology; stress; maternity; phenomenology; quality of life at work.

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