The efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 have dramatically altered everyday life for many Americans. Businesses are closing their doors, employees are losing hours and jobs, and a significant portion of the workforce has transitioned to remote work. This shift includes children, as schools nationwide shut down.
With prolonged school closures anticipated, parents are thrust into the role of educators, often while balancing their professional responsibilities. The majority of this educational burden is falling on mothers. Although the virus does not discriminate, the implications of this crisis are not equally experienced. Parents are grappling with challenges that non-parents do not face, and among them, mothers are bearing the brunt of the impact.
My recent research into homeschooling, which involved surveying over 600 parents and interviewing 46, has shown that the majority of the educational responsibilities are shouldered by mothers. Economic factors heavily influence this disparity; many families find that fathers have higher-paying jobs, making it financially sensible for mothers to stay home. Additionally, societal beliefs often lead mothers to believe they are better suited for the demands of homeschooling. Many draw from personal experiences, recalling how as young girls, they took on caregiving roles for younger siblings or neighbors.
Cultural Perceptions of Motherhood
Cultural perceptions of motherhood play a significant role in this dynamic. Parenting in the U.S. has historically been seen as a gendered practice. Despite women’s increasing participation in the workforce, child-rearing is still largely viewed as women’s work. Mothers are frequently held accountable for decisions regarding their children’s education, which further reinforces the expectation that they will take on the associated responsibilities.
As our nation navigates coronavirus-related school closures, it’s clear that mothers will carry the majority of the weight in caring for and educating children. However, not all mothers will be equally positioned to do so. Working mothers may find themselves caught between the demands of their jobs and the needs of their children. Some may have the privilege to reduce hours or take leave, while low-income mothers, mothers of color, and single mothers will face even greater challenges. For those unable to take time off without jeopardizing their employment, the stress is compounded, and unfortunately, their children may suffer as a result.
Addressing the Burden on Mothers
Americans are beginning to acknowledge the necessity of school closures in fighting this pandemic. As we adapt, we must take action to alleviate the burdens on mothers. An essential step would be implementing a national paid time-off policy for parents of children under 12. While Congress is discussing various financial relief measures, these proposals need to account for the increased responsibilities many parents are shouldering due to school closures.
Education is a public good supported by taxpayer-funded institutions. Schools serve not only as places of learning but also as safe environments for young children. During this time, we can continue to support our children’s education by compensating those providing it—largely mothers. This financial recognition is crucial not only for sustaining families but also for investing in our children’s futures.
Looking Ahead
Ultimately, my hope is that once this crisis subsides and schools reopen, we will reflect on the lessons learned about social inequality. One critical lesson will be the strain placed on mothers when essential services like education are disrupted. We should use this experience to advocate for improvements in our educational systems and broader social infrastructure to better support families during future crises.
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In summary, the ongoing pandemic has disproportionately affected mothers, highlighting existing social inequalities and the need for systemic support. As we navigate these challenges, it is vital to recognize the contributions of mothers and implement policies that safeguard their well-being and that of their children.