WORKING MOTHERS : FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR DESIRE TO REMAIN IN THE LABOUR FORCE

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe and examine the factors which are associated with working mothers who desire to remain in the labour force, whether on a full-time or part-time basis. The data is derived from 101 working mothers with preschool children from 3 childcare centres and analyzed through tests of associations between the dependent and independent variables. The results from the quantitative data showed that the majority of the respondents indicated that their husband helps out in the home. There is a significant association between those who desire to remain in the labour force on a fulltime basis and their reason to work being to have a career. Overall the respondents have the attitude that a woman's primary responsibilities are still towards the family. Nevertheless, the findings also revealed that the marriage type of the present cohort of working mothers with preschool children is one which is inclined towards a more egalitarian one.