Individual Presentation or Panel Title
Media Portrayals of the Work/Life Balance of Working Mothers in Movies
Abstract
For many years women have become more involved in the workforce in large numbers. This move into the workforce outside of the home by women has caused the regular occurrence of working mothers. This paper examines how movies throughout different decades portray working mothers and their ability to manage their duties in the workplace and at home. In order to explore this issue, the following films were analyzed: I Don’t Know How She Does It, Erin Brockovich, and Baby Boom. The films were analyzed in order to determine patterns and themes that reoccurred in at least two of the films. Results of the analysis showed that the following major themes served to condemn working mothers through the portrayals of their work and life balance in the films: lives are hectic, romantic relationships suffer, and children appear neglected. A progression towards the increased tolerance of mothers working outside of the home in the films’ portrayals through the decades is also discussed.
Location
Goodwin Private Dining Room
Start Date
21-4-2012 2:30 PM
End Date
21-4-2012 3:20 PM
Media Portrayals of the Work/Life Balance of Working Mothers in Movies
Goodwin Private Dining Room
For many years women have become more involved in the workforce in large numbers. This move into the workforce outside of the home by women has caused the regular occurrence of working mothers. This paper examines how movies throughout different decades portray working mothers and their ability to manage their duties in the workplace and at home. In order to explore this issue, the following films were analyzed: I Don’t Know How She Does It, Erin Brockovich, and Baby Boom. The films were analyzed in order to determine patterns and themes that reoccurred in at least two of the films. Results of the analysis showed that the following major themes served to condemn working mothers through the portrayals of their work and life balance in the films: lives are hectic, romantic relationships suffer, and children appear neglected. A progression towards the increased tolerance of mothers working outside of the home in the films’ portrayals through the decades is also discussed.