New Motherhood Versus Career: Identity Conflicts During Re-entry Transitions in IT Sector in India
摘要
This chapter examines the impact of BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensible) conditions on returning mothers in the Indian IT sector through the theoretical lens of identity conflict. Drawing on qualitative research with 33 mothers, we explore how BANI environment brings dissonance in women’s sense of identities for balancing professional and personal roles. Interviews reveal feelings of vulnerability, anxiety, and overwhelm, exacerbated by cultural pressures around motherhood and workplace performance in India’s fast-paced IT industry. These women navigate BANI systems while internalizing intense responsibility for unpredictable workloads and unclear advancement opportunities. To foster compassionate organizations, we propose strategies like flexible work policies, mental health support, and transparent career frameworks to alleviate excessive accountability pressures. By addressing these needs, Indian IT firms can create inclusive workplaces that empower returning mothers to thrive, enhancing resilience and adaptability in a chaotic BANI world.