Working moms stereotyped, working dads aren't
Categories: Money & Work
More bad news for working moms (and, as if we didn't already know)... in a study in which
researchers asked college students to evaluate the resumes of potential candidates, women with children were less
likely to be hired or given a promotion than identical women without kids. Fathers were about equally likely to be
hired with or without kids. Researchers were evidently "surprised" that the college students were so lenient with dads,
but I'm not - I've been on both sides of the equation (except, well, I haven't been a dad looking for work) and found
that co-workers were much more indulgent towards dads and much less towards moms, so much so that my own resume was
much more successful in getting me a job when I didn't mention that I was a mom. In fact, I didn't get one phone call
or interview, for jobs for which I was clearly qualified, when my resume said "mom" in addition to "Ivy League
MBA."
Recent Posts
- Atlanta Billboards Proclaim 'Black Children Are An Endangered Species' (2/09/2010)
- Canadian Hospital Offers Surgery for Obese Children (2/09/2010)
- Celeb Clan Close-Up: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Maddox Hit the Super Bowl (2/08/2010)
- Bob Dylan's 'All the Animals' Inspires Children's Book (2/08/2010)
- Drew Brees and His Son After the Super Bowl - Best Moment of the Big Game? (2/08/2010)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MelissaS 12-18-2005 @ 6:51PM
I've been quite shocked at the number of times I've been asked about child care and alternative plans for sick children during the work day while interviewing. My husband was never asked about who would care for his children while he worked. It is agitating.
Reply
Nicola 12-18-2005 @ 6:51PM
Do you actually have to state anywhere on a job application that you have children? I didn't realise that / had never thought about it. Is it even something that's legal of them to ask?
I'm so lucky in my current position that allows me total flexibility, a child friendly workplace (Kellan has nursed through meetings before!), and colleagues who not only tolerate, but adore my 11 month old son. I made it clear up front, but that was because I'm still nursing and needed pumping facilities etc. If it weren't for that, and not knowing up front what a child friendly workplace this was, I don't know that I would have mentioned motherhood.
Reply
MelissaS 12-18-2005 @ 6:51PM
I have to explain my 6 year absence from the work force somehow. Staying at home with my children is how I explain it though I could just say I didn't want to work for 6 years.
Reply