UNIT D - Blog 32

Parenthood differs when attached to a female because she is automatically seen as taking on the traditional wife and mother role which is staying home and raising the children. Many firms are hesitant towards hiring female lawyers because they automatically assume problems will arise because the woman might have to leave and pick up a sick child or have a part time shift so she can take care of her kids. When relating a male with parenthood you automatically thing of him as working and not taking on the responsibility of picking up the children from school and daycare or going home early to cook for the children. Men are seen as the bread winners and the ones who provide for the family so many law firms don't worry about hiring males who have children since it's assumed that they have a wife at home who handles everything family related.

Traditional values of motherhood affect female lawyers because they have to put their family first and they might have to try and get a part time schedule approved. This can pose a problem for these women because many firms try and avoid part time schedules so they don't lose any money and can avoid any conflict other employees might have towards this so called easy shift working mothers receive. Also, when women lawyers are allowed to take on part time schedules they are looked down upon by their boss's and employees because they are seen as incompetent and aren't taken as seriously as lawyers who work full time schedules. High powered female lawyers with children are viewed as suspect parents because they aren't seen as nurturing and loving towards their children because they are so busy with their career. Many people find it hard to believe that a woman can work long hours and be successful while also being a great mother and providing for her family. Many high powered female lawyers feel trapped by these stereotypes and feel guilty for being a successful lawyer and end up talking down about their job so they are seen as a better mother and this shouldn't have to happen. Nobody should feel bad for being successful and accomplishing their goals.