General
the mommy track
What does the mommy track mean?
A career trajectory, historically for mothers, involving reduced hours or ambition to balance childcare, often criticized for stalling advancement and pay.
"After maternity leave she felt shunted onto the mommy track, passed over for the big projects."
Origin
Term that entered debate after a 1989 Harvard Business Review article on women's career paths.
Frequently asked questions
What is the mommy track?
It's a slower career path, historically for mothers, with reduced hours or ambition to balance childcare, often criticized for stalling advancement.
Is the mommy track a negative term?
It's often used critically, because being placed on it can mean being passed over for promotions and higher pay.
Where did the term mommy track come from?
It entered public debate after a 1989 Harvard Business Review article on women's career paths.
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