1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The phenomenon of maternal employment has evolved significantly over the years, shaping discussions around parenting, child development, and family dynamics. In traditional African societies, including Nigeria, women were primarily responsible for domestic duties and child-rearing, while men served as the economic providers. The role of mothers was often confined to the home, with close supervision and daily involvement in the socialization of their children (Odejide, 2016). However, the advent of Western education, urbanization, and the push for gender equality gradually redefined the place of women in society.
In recent decades, there has been a significant transformation in gender roles within families, particularly with the increasing participation of women in the workforce. The rise in maternal employment is a global phenomenon, driven by economic necessity, career aspirations, and the growing acceptance of gender equality. In Nigeria, the proportion of women combining motherhood and paid employment has steadily increased, particularly among urban and educated populations (Akinboye, 2017). The social adjustment of students refers to their ability to interact appropriately with peers, teachers, and the broader school environment. It includes traits such as self-confidence, communication skills, and the ability to cope with social challenges (Igbokwe, 2020). For adolescents in secondary schools, this period of life is critical for identity formation and emotional growth. Family structure and parental involvement, particularly that of the mother, are seen as essential factors in shaping a child's social behavior.
According to Eze (2018), working mothers often face the challenge of balancing the demands of their professional responsibilities with the emotional and developmental needs of their children. While some scholars argue that maternal employment may provide positive role models and contribute to a child's independence and resilience, others suggest that long working hours, job stress, and physical absence could reduce the quality of parental interaction and supervision, thereby affecting the child's social adjustment (Eze, 2018).
The context of Nigerian society adds further complexity to this issue. Cultural expectations, availability of support systems, school environments, and the nature of mothers' occupations vary widely and may influence how students adapt socially. In many cases, mothers serve as the primary caregivers even while maintaining full-time employment (Okafor & Anozie, 2019). The concept of a working mother refers to a woman who is engaged in paid employment while also fulfilling her roles and responsibilities as a mother (Uzonwanne, 2020). The modern era has witnessed a significant increase in the number of women who actively participate in the workforce, leading to a shift in traditional family dynamics.
Social adjustment according to Olusakin (2018) refers to an individual's ability to adapt to social situations, interact effectively with others, and conform to the norms and values of society (Olusakin, 2018). In the context of secondary school students, social adjustment encompasses the ability to form and maintain peer relationships, exhibit appropriate behavior in social settings, and cope with the challenges of adolescence.
Adewumi & Adekeye (2019) reported that, the increasing necessity for dual-income households, economic pressures, and career ambitions have led many mothers to pursue careers outside the home. While maternal employment contributes positively to family income and serves as a model of independence and self-reliance for children, concerns have been raised about its possible adverse effects on students' social development. Some researchers argue that the absence of mothers during key developmental periods might negatively influence students' emotional security and social behavior (Adewumi & Adekeye, 2019). This research study, therefore, aims to investigate the effect of working mothers' careers on the social adjustment of students in selected secondary schools.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that many families today experience a shift from traditional roles as more mothers engage in careers outside the home. It is also becoming clear that this change is influencing the social development of their children. The social adjustment of secondary school students is especially sensitive during adolescence, a critical time when emotional support and parental guidance are essential (Iroanya, 2019). However, the career demands placed on working mothers often reduce the time and energy available to nurture their children's social skills and emotional needs.
Furthermore, the absence of mothers due to work responsibilities is linked to increased behavioral problems, feelings of neglect, and poor social adjustment among adolescents (Okeke & Amadi, 2021). These issues affect not only the students' emotional wellbeing but also their academic performance and overall school experience. Hence, the undertaking of this research work will fill in the gap by examining the effect of working mothers' careers on the social adjustment of students in selected secondary schools.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of working mothers' careers on the social adjustment of students in selected secondary schools.
The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To determine the extent to which working mothers' career commitments influence the social adjustment of secondary school students.
- To identify specific social adjustment challenges faced by students with working mothers.
- To assess the role of maternal presence and involvement in the social development of secondary school students.
- To investigate how students cope with the absence or reduced availability of their working mothers.
- To provide recommendations for parents, educators, and policymakers to support the social adjustment of students with working mothers.
1.4 Research Questions
Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions have been formulated:
- To what extent do working mothers' career commitments influence the social adjustment of secondary school students?
- What specific social adjustment challenges do students with working mothers face?
- How does maternal presence and involvement affect the social development of secondary school students?
- In what ways do students cope with the absence or reduced availability of their working mothers?
- What measures can parents, educators, and policymakers take to support the social adjustment of students with working mothers?
1.5 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will enable teachers and school counselors to identify social adjustment issues faced by students with working mothers. Also, policy makers will find this study useful as it will provide empirical evidence on the impact of maternal employment on students' social adjustment.
Additionally, the study will contribute to academic literature by filling existing gaps in research related to maternal employment and adolescent social adjustment in the Nigerian context. Furthermore, future researchers will use this study as a reference point for further investigations into related topics.
Lastly, this research study will promote awareness among all stakeholders about the importance of nurturing social adjustment in students, which is vital for their success both in school and later in life.
1.6 Scope of Study
This study is focused on examining the effect of working mothers' careers on the social adjustment of students in selected secondary schools within Lagos State, Nigeria.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
Several limitations were encountered during the course of this study, which may have influenced the results and conclusions.
- Delay from Respondents: Many participants experienced time constraints or hesitated to commit to the study due to their busy schedules. This delay limited the volume of data that could be gathered within the planned timeframe.
- Financial Constraints: Due to budget limitations, there was insufficient funding to expand the research to a larger sample size or to include more varied geographic locations, which might have provided a broader perspective.
- Time Constraints: The time available for conducting the study was limited, reducing the possibility of performing a more in-depth longitudinal analysis.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Working Mothers: This term refers to mothers who are engaged in formal employment outside the home, whether in private companies, government agencies, or non-governmental organizations. Working mothers balance career responsibilities alongside their family roles, which may influence the time and attention they give to their children's social development (Oyedele, 2018).
Career: Career denotes a long-term professional journey or occupation that a mother pursues to achieve personal and financial goals. It involves commitments that often require time, energy, and mental focus, which may affect family dynamics and parental involvement (Adewale & Ajayi, 2020).
Social Adjustment: Social adjustment is the process through which students learn to interact effectively with their peers, teachers, and the school environment. It involves developing social skills, forming positive relationships, and managing emotions in social contexts (Eze, 2017). Proper social adjustment is vital for students' academic success and emotional well-being.
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