BLACK-AND-WHITE COLLEGE WOMENS PERCEPTIONS OF EARLY MATERNAL EMPLOYMENT

Black (n = 89) and White (n = 121) female students rated their percept ions of the mother of a one-year-old infant as a function of the mothe r's race (Black/White) and employment role (employment/nonemployment a fter the birth of her child). Results showed that White, compared to B lack, students anticipated comparatively more role-related costs for t he employed than the nonemployed mothers. Furthermore, Blacks, but not Whites, expected more role-related emotional rewards for the employed than the nonemployed mothers. The data are linked to previous finding s concerning Whites' and Blacks' attitudes toward role integration.