Document Type

Honors Thesis

Major

Social Work

Advisor(s)

Jennifer Crittenden

Committee Members

Kelly Jaksa, Amy Blackstone, Daniel Puhlman

Graduation Year

May 2025

Publication Date

8-2025

Abstract

This study identifies and explores the intersection of women working in childcare’s personal and professional roles. This study also investigates how women working in childcare address, avoid, and relieve role conflicts and enhancements that occur. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four women who were actively working in an early childcare setting in Maine. Participants expressed unique perspectives on how they perceive their profession in childcare and how they navigate role intersections. It was concluded that women working in childcare encounter both role conflicts and enhancements as a result of both individual and systemic factors. This study also addresses the current socioeconomic state of the childcare profession, and its consequences on childcare workers.

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