BLACK-AND-WHITE EMPLOYED MOTHERS ROLE EXPERIENCES

This study examined the maternal, employment, and marital role consequ ences experienced by 40 Black and 65 White middle-class mothers. Analy ses of variance showed that the Black compared to White respondents ex perienced significantly more marital conflict. However, the two sample s reported similar levels of personal costs, personal rewards, marital benefits, insufficient time for husband, and emotional reactions to s eparation from their children. The similarity of role outcomes across ethnicity is discussed in the context of the similarity of roles. It i s suggested that role engagement shapes actual role experiences.