The physical and emotional impacts of divorce can be very tough for the entire family, but is the most challenging for the mother. While each situation is unique, one of the first consequences of a divorce for a couple with children is the change in financial conditions for the divorced parents (Eldar-Avidan, Haj-Yahia, and Greenbaum. 2008:75). From moving to a new home to finding employment, this adjustment is often more challenging for the primary caretaker, in most cases, the mother. Even if she is capable of finding work quickly, statistics show that as of 2008, “mothers earned an average of 70% of the male wage” (Oldham 2008:419). The change in the quality of life creates a more difficult position for a mother since she is now unable
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However, society paints a picture that all working single mothers cannot be successful workers as well as good mothers, making it even more difficult to assume both roles successfully. Stereotypes against working mothers create biases against mothers who want to be successful in the workplace as well as at home (King 2008:1677). This is especially evident after a divorce, where the mother is likely to feel stressed and guilty for leaving her role as primary caregiver for her children, even though she is working to support them (Guendouzi 2006:901). According to an investigation of working mothers in Sweden, “the well-being of the child is dependent on continual access to the mother” creating a stereotype that any mother who is not available at all times is not a ‘good mother’ (ibid:902). The roots for what constitutes a good mother are taken from the western model of a nuclear family as well as a model of intensive mothering and are deeply embedded in society. Social pressure surrounding divorce can be overwhelming but with children involved, the divorced working mother is even more vulnerable as a target for stigmatization and negative gossip (ibid). After feeling the pressure from society, it is possible for single working mothers to accept and internalize society’s biases by “feeling insecure and guilt-ridden regarding their childrearing abilities” (Brandwein 1974:499). The model of motherhood that Elvin-Novak and Thomsson present posits
However, society paints a picture that all working single mothers cannot be successful workers as well as good mothers, making it even more difficult to assume both roles successfully. Stereotypes against working mothers create biases against mothers who want to be successful in the workplace as well as at home (King 2008:1677). This is especially evident after a divorce, where the mother is likely to feel stressed and guilty for leaving her role as primary caregiver for her children, even though she is working to support them (Guendouzi 2006:901). According to an investigation of working mothers in Sweden, “the well-being of the child is dependent on continual access to the mother” creating a stereotype that any mother who is not available at all times is not a ‘good mother’ (ibid:902). The roots for what constitutes a good mother are taken from the western model of a nuclear family as well as a model of intensive mothering and are deeply embedded in society. Social pressure surrounding divorce can be overwhelming but with children involved, the divorced working mother is even more vulnerable as a target for stigmatization and negative gossip (ibid). After feeling the pressure from society, it is possible for single working mothers to accept and internalize society’s biases by “feeling insecure and guilt-ridden regarding their childrearing abilities” (Brandwein 1974:499). The model of motherhood that Elvin-Novak and Thomsson present posits