Abstract:
This study generated a substantive theory from the insights gathered from 20
participants, which will examine the stages involved in the process of economic
independence: the causal conditions which motivate the participants’ entry to the
workforce, the context in which it occurs, the intervening factors influencing the
woman’s balancing act and the effects these have on her psychosocial functioning. A
total of 20 middle-aged working mothers residing in Metro Manila have participated in
the study who have been selected using theoretical sampling. The study is informed by
a constructivist worldview, which utilized a qualitative research design through the
conduct of in-depth interviews, comprising semi-structured and open-ended questions.
The generated theory holds that that economic independence undergoes four distinct
stages. The process starts with a woman’s motivations for working, which include her
need for achievement, need for financial independence and value for education. This is
followed by the contemplation of initial considerations: the nature of the job, the
partnership among couples and the age and number of her children. As she carries out
what is expected of her at work, she encounters certain external factors which are
influential determinants in her achievement of economic independence: the role of
technology and the social support one receives from the extended family. When
technology is utilized to her advantage and support is received from one’s relatives and
house helpers, the mother will most likely achieve economic independence. This will,
in turn, result to the development of a more positive self-image, an enhanced selfesteem
and feelings of empowerment. Working has also no significant detrimental
effect to one’s social functioning, particularly to the quality of relationship she has with
her husband and children. This is supported by the narratives of the participants which
indicate that despite spending less time with their families, they make sure that they
give them quality care. Recommendations were made to conduct a study among rural
populations and a comparative study which will delve on the differences experienced
by single and married mothers. The methods can also be modified to include the
quantitative aspect: establishing correlations, providing statistics and using
psychological tests to measure the psychological functioning of the participants. A
possible area of study would be its correlation with familial violence and union
dissolution.
