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Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2025
Degree Type
Capstone - Merrimack Access Only
Instructor/Advisor
Dr. Melissa Nemon & Dr. Audrey Falk
Abstract
For my capstone project I explored the motherhood penalty and examined the wage gap and workplace discrimination, specifically the wage gap for mothers of color. Also, I examined the importance of childcare to a family’s survival to be able to work. This study was conducted by gathering secondary data about how much childcare costs for black single moms, Hispanic Latino single moms, and white moms making minimum wage. I used the MIT wage calculator, Fiscal Year 2024 Child Care Financial Assistance Daily Reimbursement Rates from the Department of Early Education and Care, and The U.S. Census Bureau to collect the data. The data shows that mothers, and especially mothers of color, make much less than white mothers. Also, for mothers of color, the childcare costs take up more of their income. The data collected for this capstone project sheds light upon the wage disparities between mothers and nonmothers. The data further highlights the need for policies that are responsive to wage disparities rather than assuming a one size fits all with regards to childcare subsidies.
Recommended Citation
Mills, Joanna, "The Motherhood Penalty: Examining the Wage Gap and Workplace Discrimination Against Working Mothers" (2025). Community Engagement Student Work. 130.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/soe_student_ce/130