Dissolving contradictory demands: A systematic review of alcohol use of working mothers

Working mothers perform 'double shifts' of paid and domestic labour. Increased rates of employment among mothers in high income countries, and the impact of the alcohol industry actively promoting alcohol to working mothers, makes it crucial for preventative efforts to understand the factors driving alcohol use among this population. This systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies provides an overview of the drinking patterns of working mothers and their predictors.

Four databases were systematically searched in August 2024. The population of interest were adult women in high income countries, who were both mothers of at least one dependent child and employed in any capacity. The methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Following a convergent integrated approach, narrative synthesis was conducted for all studies.

Of the 4623 records maintained for screening, 22 articles (15 quantitative and 7 qualitative) were included. Working mothers were more often drinkers and consumed a higher quantity per occasion (including binge and risky drinking) in comparison to mid-life women and non-working mothers. Alcohol use was also linked to managing emotional states, as a commodity to 'cope' with gendered norms. Living in a society with increased gender equity and being partnered or married had a protective effect on heavy drinking and consumed quantity.

Working mother's drinking is governed by gender norms and expectations, and countries who advance policies to improve the acceptability and compatibility of motherhood and employment may reduce working mother's alcohol use.