Ambivalence Quote by Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot
“Whether outside work is done by choice or not, whether women seek their identity through work, whether women are searching for pleasure or survival through work, the integration of motherhood and the world of work is a source of ambivalence, struggle, and conflict for the great majority of women.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Women, Work, and Motherhood, 1990s
Balancing motherhood with career creates tension and conflict for most women, reflecting deeper societal expectations.
In simple terms: Motherhood and work clash, causing struggle.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address work‑family tensions.
Themes
gender
work
family
identity
conflict
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
analytical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- career planning
- parental leave policies
- workplace flexibility
- mental health support
Key Concepts
intersectionality
role strain
social expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- How can workplaces better support mothers?
- What personal strategies help manage ambivalence?
A Different Perspective
Balancing roles may require systemic change, not just personal coping.
![“For those parents from lower-class and minority communities[who] have had minimal experience in negotiating dominant, external institutions or have had negative and hostile contact with social service agencies, their initial approaches to the school are often overwhelming and difficult. Not only…” quote by Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dea/sara-lawrence-lightfoot-33198_agency_for-those-parents-from-lower-class-and-m_1735893.jpg)
