Role satisfaction in working mothers : a comparison of occupational status

The effects of employment on a working mother\u27s overall role satisfaction was examined as a function of occupational status (professional, middle management, working class). Sixty women of differing employment levels were given a questionnaire of items concerning their experiences as working mothers. Professional women were found to be at an advantage. They possesed significantly higher levels of work orientation and job satisfaction than both middle management and working class women, and higher levels of family satisfaction than working class women. Professional women were also slightly more satisfied with their roles, but this effect was not significant. A stepwise multiple regression revealed that job satisfaction, followed by family satisfaction, were significant predictors of role satisfaction. These results suggest that working class women are at a disadvantage in achieving role satisfaction. They do not have the privileges the other groups do (higher status, salary, family support) and may in fact have more obligations in the home