A Critical Analysis of Working Mothers Work-family Dilemma in Modern European Society: Using the 2021 French Film " Plein Temps" as a Window

Abstract

As mothers labor force participation rate increases dramatically over the past few decades, so is the discussion of their work-family dilemma. It has brought to our attention that the media tend to oversimplify this dilemma and individualize it as an individual problem of women. Using the French film Plein Temps (Full Time) as an entry point, this study analyzes the work-family dilemma faced by working mothers in modern European society from the perspectives of structural discrimination and restrictive gender stereotypes, dissects discrimination in the workplace context and the patriarchal gaze behind these phenomena, and concludes with more open-ended and practical initiatives. Combining the empirical and theological analysis, this study is able to explore the root causes of the widespread problem of work-family dilemma. Our findings support the existence of workplace discrimination and pre-determined negative gender stereotypes against working mothers. We argue that mothers work-family dilemma reflects the structural sexism in todays society.