Single mothers are not perceived as less competent or less committed than single childless women, and they are not less likely to be hired or promoted compared to their childless counterparts. (Photo: Shutterstock)
While married parents in the workplace often experience either the “motherhood penalty” or the “fatherhood premium,” workplace bias doesn't exist either way for single moms and dads, according to a research study by University of Arizona sociology doctoral student Jurgita Abromaviciute.
In her study, Abromaviciute asked 160 college students to evaluate job application materials — including a resume and notes from a human resources interviewer — from fictitious job applicants with comparable experience, all applying for an upper management position with a communications company.
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Katie Kuehner-Hebert
Katie Kuehner-Hebert is a freelance writer based in Running Springs, Calif. She has more than three decades of journalism experience, with particular expertise in employee benefits and other human resource topics.
