An exploration of the experiences of pregnancy during employment in female dominated industries and the investigation of the effects of pregnancy on employment in the cosmetics/aesthetics industry

Lyons, Tara (2021) An exploration of the experiences of pregnancy during employment in female dominated industries and the investigation of the effects of pregnancy on employment in the cosmetics/aesthetics industry. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

This study presents data from a set of interviews, which explores women’s experiences of pregnancy and work. It focuses primarily on the participants experience during pregnancy, their work-life balance and their insight as employers. Social, economic and political transformations across Ireland from 1973 have transformed the labour market extensively. The Irish female labour participation has grown substantially providing women with independence and equality, although somewhat delayed in comparison with its European neighbors. In todays society it has become a commonality that women maintain dual roles of both work and family, which is complex in itself. The difficulties surrounding motherhood and more specifically pregnancy during employment are critical to understand from an employer’s point of view. This study highlights the subjective nature of women’s experiences, employers concerns regarding pregnancy in the workplace and also investigates improved practices to placate any bias or discrimination of pregnant employees in the future. The results do not correlate totally with the academic research in this field; employer’s perceptions of pregnant employees were found to be more positive than previous results. The size and sector of a company were identified as influential factors of the overall pregnancy experience for employees in female dominated industries. These results suggest increased education and working policies are required across smaller and privatized sector to reduce any hostility and also the use of flexible employment to encourage the return of women post maternity leave. Another issue that was highlighted was the maternity leave pay gap between the private and public sector, which may force new mothers back to employment prematurely to negate financial stress.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	female-labour participation; women; pregnancy; work-life balance.
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Quality of Work Life / Job Satisfaction H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Classes of Labour > Women and Work
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	16 Dec 2021 16:14
Last Modified:	16 Dec 2021 16:14
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5255

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