Gendered Precarity: Millennial Mothers' Experiences of Taking Pregnancy/Parental Leave in a Precarious Labour Market

Abstract

This thesis reports on the findings and implications of gendered precarity in the neoliberal labour market for millennial mothers. By considering the unique intersection of precarity, gender, and age, my findings contribute to the literature by adding qualitative evidence to the anecdotal reports of women being restructured, demoted, and let go from their workplaces while on pregnancy/parental leave. Further, this research contributes to the knowledge on the topic of precarious work by reporting on participants’ “sense of precarity” as a result of structural inequalities. The interviews conducted with six millennial women in their 30s reveal the complexity of their experiences as precarious workers and parents. Specifically, feeling vulnerable in the workplace, the impact of major life changes on millennial mothers’ identities, and participants’ responses to perceived motherhood penalty. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the findings in relation to the literature, considers the limitations of the study and offers possibilities for future research, avenues for policy advocacy, and suggestions for social work practice.