Working Mums in Lockdown: an Exploration of Lived Experiences

This research project began in April 2020, when the research team found themselves in lockdown, juggling childcare, home school and work, and realised the potential social, economic and emotional impact of lockdown on mother’s careers and wellbeing. This longitudinal study aims to explore the lived experiences of working mothers in lockdown, including the impact lockdown has had on wellbeing, career progression and channels of support. Data has been collected via WhatsApp text interviews from 70 mothers at four time points over the first and second lockdown, and in-depth interviews are currently underway with 40 participants. 

An online COVID, Women & Work event is taking place in July 2021, funded by the University of Salford Research Impact Fund. This will bring together scholars and working mothers from across the UK, to showcase cutting-edge research on women’s experiences in lockdown, including the results of this study. 

Funder: N/A

Team: Joy Probyn and Eileen Cunningham.