A Comparative Study between Working and Non-Working Jordanian Mothers in Positive Parenting Practices and their Children’s Social Behaviors

Abstract

This study examined Jordanian mothers’ work status in relation to parenting practices and children’s social behaviors.  The sample consisted of 132 mothers of kindergarten children from the capital city of Amman, Jordan: 58 of the mothers were employed and 74 were not employed.  To meet the study’s objectives, mothers responded to two scales:  Parenting Practices Scale and Social Behaviors Rating Scale.  The results of the analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups in favor of working mothers with regard to their reported parenting practices.  Non-significant differences were evident with regards to mothers’ work status and their reported evaluations of children’s social behaviors.  Directions for future research include investigating maternal work status with moderating variables such as marital status, attitudes, child gender, and full or part-time employment.