To Mother or Matter

Abstract

Despite a burgeoning interest in the interface between work and relationships, and its origins in feminist thought, crucial aspects of women’s experiences have remained invisible in the face of mainstream discourse in the career field. Many women have and will continue to define motherhood as a career, yet none of our career development theories do so. In this article, an historical, sociocultural, and political framework for the context of the career development of women who mother is offered. Existing career theory is discussed in light of women’s mothering work and a relational cultural paradigm is offered as a theoretical backdrop for the consideration of critical issues relevant to women’s work. Implications for career counseling practice, research, and public policy are offered.