Mothers' support of their children's education : four case studies

Abstract

Despite the increase in the number of women in the ·workforce and the shift in the family structure, childrearing is still mothers' first priority. To understand the impact of specific circumstances on children· s learning we looked at the scaffolding offered by both working and non-working mothers. Existing research regarding the cultural and historical experiences of women. the influence of school and the home environment and the challenges of combining paid employment and domestic duties was reviewed. A qualitative study of four mothers (two working and two non-working) and their primary schoolchildren was undertaken. The study triangulates in-depth ethnographic interviews, specifically kept diaries and classroom observations throughout one scholastic year. The data drawn from classroom observations on the demands and support schooling offered to children and their parents provided insight into the children's situated cognition. The robust data collected generated relevant grounded theory. The findings show clear differences in childrearing practices and the mothers' involvement in their children's academic and extracurricular education.