Work re‐entry following maternity leave for first‐time mothers: An events, social identity and intersectional theories informed identity work framework
针对首次生育母亲产假后重返工作时的身份问题，基于事件系统、社会认同和交叉性理论，构建了一个解释身份威胁与机会评估、身份工作策略及其对职业决策影响的框架。
Abstract Many first‐time mothers experience significant identity issues on work re‐entry following maternity leave, an important individual and life‐related event. Work re‐entry prompts significant identity tensions leading to identity work challenges and potential career changes. We address this significant life event and develop a subjective identity informed conceptual framework explaining its key components and outcomes. We propose that for first‐time mothers, re‐entry following maternity leave triggers a cognitive and subjective assessment of identity threat and opportunity leading to the use of multiple identity work strategies to address personal, role, and collective identities. We analyze the impacts of these reworked identities and identity work for career decision making and outcomes. We theoretically underpin our framework using event systems, a subjective perspective on social identity and intersectional theories and in doing so, propose future research questions and highlight implications for national policy and organizational practices.