The Study of Dilemmas between First Pregnancy Plans and Career for Professors in Early Childhood Education

This study explored the challenges and needs experienced by highly educated women when planning for pregnancy and childbirth.A qualitative study was conducted with six professors in Early Childhood Education.The findings revealed that participants faced significant role conflicts in balancing professional responsibilities and personal lives.The key findings are as follows: First, the participants reported that the heavy workload associated with their teaching responsibilities, coupled with the lack of time and energy for pregnancy and childbirth, made it difficult to balance their professional and personal roles.This imbalance led to psychological strain.Additionally, gender role conflicts and workplace pressures acted as significant barriers to planning pregnancy and childbirth.Second, while the participants recognized that institutional support had a positively impacted their plans, they encountered several practical constraints in implementing these benefits.Difficulties in finding substitute staff, conflicts with academic schedules, and uncertainties regarding parental leave benefits reduced the effectiveness of these policies.These challenges highlight the need for tailored support and organizational flexibility.Third, due to the nature of their profession, the participants faced societal stereotypes, such as the expectation to be a "perfect parent" and the implicit pressure to have children.These societal expectations created psychological burdens and led to hesitation in making personal decisions about balancing careers and family life.The study calls for structural support and a shift in societal perceptions to alleviate these stereotypes and respect individual choices.The findings emphasize the need for policy and organizational frameworks that address the role conflicts and institutional limitations faced by female faculty members, stressing the importance of enhancing structural support for pregnancy and childbirth.This comprehensive approach will foster an environment where female faculty members can plan and execute life-cycle tasks more effectively.