Overlapping Stigmas of Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Weight: Policy Implications for Employment and Higher Education

ABSTRACT

Pregnant women and new mothers experience numerous biases they are inappropriately touched, less likely to be hired or promoted, paid less, and subjected to a host of stereotypes. Pregnant women and mothers are perceived as warm and maternal, but also incompetent and uncommitted. If they return to work, they are perceived as cold, but still incompetent, and uncommitted. These stigmas worsen when pregnant women are heavier, as weight-based stigmas add additional biases. This article explores the overlapping stigmas of pregnancy, motherhood, and weight in the workplace and higher education. Each has implications for policies. Addressing the stigmas for pregnant women and mothers will increase diversity in the workforce and higher education. The COVID-19 pandemic brings additional pressures on pregnant women and mothers.