The Intersectionality Of Motherhood And Educational Leadership

The purpose of this study was to understand the intersectionality of motherhood and educational leadership through the experiences of women who lead in a public school district in a southeastern state of the United States. Specifically, the research explored their experiences and perceptions of the mutual benefits and conflicts of maintaining both roles as well as their perceptions of the non-dichotomous relationship of the two roles. Previous studies have explored women in educational leadership as well as motherhood in general, but few studies focused specifically on the experiences of women who hold both roles. This qualitative study filled a gap in the literature by using feminist standpoint theory as a framework that allowed these women to add to the existing knowledge base. Focus group sessions were conducted and allowed information to be gathered regarding the lived experiences of each participant. Through this research and an analysis of each focus group, followed by a cross-session analysis, three themes emerged: 1) emotional challenges including mom guilt 2) mother's ways of leading, and 3) work-life balance and setting boundaries. Educational leadership programs and district leadership can use the findings of this study as they work to support women leaders who are also mothers.