Making the Invisible Visible: Recrafting the Discourse Surrounding Women Caregivers in Academia

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2023

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Source Publication

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Source ISSN

1754-9426

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1017/iop.2023.19

Abstract

As three academic mothers—two of whom are still pretenure—across different universities, with distinct household structures, and at different stages of motherhood, our journeys diverge in many ways. Yet, there is one undeniable truth that has forged our bond as coauthors and friends: academia, alongside the current landscape of childcare in America, is simply not built for caregiving mothers (Allen et al., 2021; Lopez, 2019). To this end, we greatly appreciate the call to action put forth by Gabriel et al. (2023)—a piece that resonated with us, not only because we are in complete agreement with the dire need to support academic mothers but also, because we each have stories and experiences that mimic those described in the focal article.

Importantly, however, conversations surrounding the challenges experienced by academic mothers—and the related recommendations—most frequently focus on the prenatal (pregnancy) and postnatal (postpartum) stages of motherhood. For instance, recommendations such as providing parental leave, easy access to lactation rooms, and course releases are primarily intended to assist women as they recover from childbirth and transition back to work. Other policies are aimed at helping women protect time for childcare demands while also facilitating productivity and success, such as stop-the-clock policies. Although a critical phase, the motherhood role does not cease to exist after mothers reenter the workplace or even after their first year postpartum. Indeed, as Brickson (2011) notes, “children don’t grow up in a year. Furthermore, time does not stand still” (p. 199). It is with this perspective in mind that we aim to build on Gabriel and colleagues’ article, bringing to light the often invisible day-to-day demands of navigating motherhood within academia—particularly those that exist beyond the immediate postpartum period. Finally, and grounded in the reality of motherhood as a lifelong identity, we present ideas aimed at crafting a culture of ongoing support for academic mothers.

Comments

Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Vol. 16, No. 2 (June 2023): 267-272. DOI.

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