Should Ireland adopt a Nordic approach of parental leave in supporting women balance career and motherhood?

Davies, Natasha (2022) Should Ireland adopt a Nordic approach of parental leave in supporting women balance career and motherhood? Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

This report investigates the research question relating to the balancing of motherhood and career. The argument presented is that this phenomenon cannot be integrated due to societal views and through legislation. This paper explores how a change in certain factors such as childcare and legislation can contribute to achieving this balance, a closer look into Ireland’s legislative approach in comparison to the Nordic countries particularly Denmark. This report utilises a sample of a man and two women in senior or executive positions within the field of their careers. As Ireland is the context to be focused on in this research paper, it is obvious that the nation of Ireland has made notable progressive changes from its Constitution of the 1930’s which stated that ‘mothers should not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to neglect their duties in the home’ (Bunreacht na hÉireann 1937, Article 41.2.2) Naturally women were limited in their exploration of finding purpose outside the home which was linked to the strict traditional gender roles, religion and legislation echoed the limitation of the 20th century Irish woman. This research paper will focus on the difficulties that professional women encounter especially deciding when to start a family, career breaks, receiving support from their partners and organizations. The methodology consists of three interviews; one Danish female who brought a different outlook leave legislation in Denmark, included her personal experiences, career development and family life. On the other hand, two Irish participants both male and female delivered vital information regarding their experiences in high powered careers, family-work balance and there hopes for Ireland’s improvement and growth. The objective of the methodology is to shed light on the personal accounts of the two women interviewed on balancing career and motherhood and for the male interviewee an insight into the differences within professional men and women particularly relating to work-family balance and a potential change in Irish legislation.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects:	K Law > KDK Republic of Ireland > Employment Legislation H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Parental Leave H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Classes of Labour > Women and Work
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	20 Sep 2022 14:49
Last Modified:	20 Sep 2022 14:49
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5771

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