| dc.description.abstract | This thesis was based on the qualitative analysis of working mothers’ experiences regarding motherhood stereotypes in Norway. In April 2023, semi-structured in-depth interviews with five women of European and Asian descent who were working mothers in Norway were conducted. The research findings chapter examines the working mothers’ experiences of 1) motherhood, and 2) the stereotypes around working mothers in Norway. The thesis, however, differs from previous research in that it focuses explicitly on the working mothers in the dichotomy of "good mothers" and "bad mothers" stereotypes in the Rogaland Area, Norway, and how these women construct their motherhood. The main findings indicate that working mothers in Norway still experience motherhood stereotypes of "good mother" and "bad mother". Although the work-life balance and child-centered values adopted in Norway aid working mothers in their daily lives, they talked about intensive mothering, appropriate mothering and child rearing, mommy wars, and women facing neoliberal challenges of life. There is room in Norwegian policy to support working mothers, including, i) improving company programs to support working mothers, ii) programs for empowering women to speak up about their needs as working mothers, iii) programs for encouraging men to take on more responsibility for housework and child care, iv) providing after-nursery care, v) providing alternative children's activities outside of the home and at school, vi) providing affordable services for housework and child care, vii) support networks/groups and communities, and viii) financial aid. | |
