Exploring the Role of Mothers as Breadwinners in Bukidnon, Philippines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65232/m7dn6p48Keywords:
Breadwinning Mothers, Family Dynamics, Multiple Roles, WomenAbstract
Traditionally, Philippine households relied on men as family providers, as reinforced by the 1950 Civil Code. The 1988 Family Code, however, recognized equal roles for husbands and wives. With more women entering the workforce, many have become breadwinners. This study focuses on mothers in Bukidnon, Philippines who have taken on this role. This study employed qualitative methods through in-depth interviews with 13 mothers from different areas in Bukidnon, focusing on their role perceptions, their journey into becoming breadwinners, how they share responsibilities with their husbands, and the challenges they encounter. This study is analyzed through thematic analysis where the interviews are transcribed then organized into categories to identify common themes. Proper ethics procedures were followed and an ethics clearance was also secured. Findings of the study reveal that while the informants possess traditional views on household roles, they view breadwinning in a progressive light — seeing themselves as equally capable of providing for their families. However, family decisions still largely rest with their husbands; and despite their work and exhaustion, these women continue to fulfill their roles as wives, mothers, and even daughters. The study affirms the persistence of stereotypes in which women, even as primary providers, remain bound to traditional wife–mother responsibilities.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Christine Joy A. Macapas, Renebel O. Labadisos (Author)
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