ERIC Number: ED664617
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 132
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3468-5774-7
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
A Qualitative Evaluation of COVID-19 and the Impact on Black Working Mothers, Mental Healthcare, and Advancing Their Education
Stacey Michelle Kernisan
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Northwestern State University of Louisiana
This qualitative grounded theory study delves into the profound impact of the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic (COVID-19) on Black working mothers, shedding light on its consequences on their pursuit of education and mental well-being. While prior research has explored the effects of COVID-19 on Black working mothers, this study focuses on the interconnected elements of their lives, including the workplace, childcare, mental health, and educational aspirations during the ongoing pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has prolonged and detrimentally influenced the global economy for over three years, affecting various demographic groups, including single and married mothers with or without children. Marginalized communities, such as Black women, have borne a disproportionate brunt of these consequences. Black women often juggle multiple roles and expectations, facing unique challenges in their personal and professional lives. COVID-19 has further exacerbated these challenges. Within corporate America, Black women encounter barriers and stereotypes that hinder their advancement despite comprising a significant portion of the workforce. The glass ceiling persists, with only a minuscule representation of Black women in upper management positions. Additionally, the stereotype of the Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema perpetuates the idea that Black women must suppress their true selves in the workplace. The pandemic's impact extends to working mothers, who form a substantial portion of the workforce, particularly in essential fields like education, healthcare, and social services. Balancing work inside and outside the home became even more challenging during COVID-19, as schools closed, necessitating adjustments in childcare arrangements. These challenges have significantly impacted the mental health of Black working mothers, leading to decision-making fatigue. The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform the development of resources and support systems tailored to the needs of Black working mothers. By understanding their barriers and challenges, society can allocate resources to alleviate their burdens, enabling them to pursue education and career advancement while maintaining their mental health. This research seeks to bridge the knowledge gap in understanding the specific needs of Black working mothers in the post-COVID-19 world and provide insights that can guide future interventions and support mechanisms. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: COVID-19, Pandemics, African Americans, Mothers, Employed Parents, Employed Women, Mental Health, Parent Role, Barriers, Stereotypes, Equal Opportunities (Jobs), Family Work Relationship, Needs, Access to Education, Child Care, Academic Aspiration
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A