Black and White employed mothers' role experiences

Abstract

This study examined the maternal, employment, and marital role consequences experienced by 40 Black and 65 White middle-class mothers. Analyses of variance showed that the Black compared to White respondents experienced significantly more marital conflict. However, the two samples reported similar levels of personal costs, personal rewards, marital benefits, insufficient time for husband, and emotional reactions to separation from their children. The similarity of role outcomes across ethnicity is discussed in the context of the similarity of roles. It is suggested that role engagement shapes actual role experiences.