Mothers and daughters: Similarities and differences in work, family, and leisure roles

Abstract

Women in Canadian society have experienced significant changes in work and family roles in the last 25 years. Combining work and family has become more common and mothers are viewed as role models for their female children. The purpose of the study was to examine the similarities and differences in mothers' and adult daughters' experiences with work, family and leisure roles. Semi-structured interviews were conducted separately with 12 mothers and their daughters. The findings pointed to changes in the importance of work, motivations for employment, and support in family roles as experienced by mothers and daughters. There was, however, continuity in the manner in which mothers and daughters experienced leisure in their lives. This research may be useful in understanding Canadian women's lives and for countries currently experiencing social and structural changes that are altering the work and family roles of women.