Motherhood burnout: how capitalism is crushing mams

by Laura Gaskell

In contemporary society, the pressure on working mothers has reached an unsustainable level. The dual demands of professional responsibilities and domestic duties create a relentless cycle of work that leaves little room for rest, self-care, or personal fulfilment. The mental load—the invisible labour of managing household tasks, childcare, and emotional labour—compounds this pressure, leaving many women feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. This article explores the intense pressures faced by working mothers, the systemic roots of these challenges, and how a socialist perspective can offer solutions to create a more equitable and sustainable future.

The relentless week of a working mother

““Even when physically resting, working mothers are often mentally preoccupied with planning the next day’s meals, scheduling appointments, or worrying about their children’s well-being.””

For many working mothers, myself included, the week is a never-ending act of keeping all the plates spinning. From the moment I wake up (usually before anyone else, to get a head start), I’m bombarded with tasks: preparing breakfast, packing lunches, getting children ready for school, and ensuring everyone is out the door on time. Once at work, I face the demands of my job, often striving to prove myself in environments that are not always accommodating to the needs of parents. After work and the long commute home, the second shift begins—picking up children, playing with them, preparing dinner, and managing household chores. By the time the children are in bed, I am too exhausted to do anything but collapse on the couch, only to wake up and repeat the cycle the next day—seven days a week, 365 days a year!

The mental load is perhaps the most insidious aspect of this pressure. Even when physically resting, working mothers are often mentally preoccupied with planning the next day’s meals, scheduling appointments, or worrying about their children’s well-being. This constant state of alertness and responsibility takes a toll on mental health, leading to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

The unsustainability of the current system

The current capitalist patriarchal system places an unfair burden on working mothers, expecting them to excel in their careers while simultaneously fulfilling the majority of caregiving and household responsibilities. This model is not only unsustainable but also deeply inequitable. Women are often forced to make impossible choices between their careers and their families, with many feeling guilty no matter which path they choose. The lack of affordable childcare, paid family leave, and flexible work arrangements exacerbates these challenges, pushing many women to the brink.

Moreover, the societal expectation that women should naturally excel at caregiving and domestic work perpetuates gender inequality. This expectation is rooted in patriarchal norms that devalue women’s labour, both inside and outside the home. The result is a system that exploits women’s unpaid labour while failing to provide the support needed.

Easing the pressure

The pressures faced by working mothers are not just individual struggles—they are systemic issues deeply rooted in capitalism’s societal structures, cultural norms, and economic policies. To truly alleviate these pressures, society must undergo a transformative shift that prioritises caregiving, redistributes labour equitably, and ensures that all families have access to the necessary resources. Below, I outline policies and actions that would ease the pressure on mothers in the here and now.

Universal childcare & early education

One of the most significant barriers for working mothers is the lack of affordable, high-quality childcare. Universal childcare and early education, funded by the state and accessible to all families, is necessary to relieve the financial burden on parents and ensure that children receive the care and education they need to thrive. By treating childcare as a public good rather than a private responsibility, society can reduce the pressure on mothers and create a more equitable system.

Paid family leave & flexible work arrangements

Paid family leave is essential for allowing parents to care for their children without sacrificing their income or job security. Socialists call for generous paid leave for mothers and fathers[1], encouraging a more equitable distribution of caregiving responsibilities. Paid sick leave is also crucial for parents to care for their children during illnesses without fear of repercussions at work. Additionally, flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible hours, can help parents balance their professional and personal lives. These policies should be universal, not limited to certain industries or income levels, to ensure that all workers benefit.

Redistribution of domestic labour 

The unequal distribution of domestic labour is a key source of the pressure on working mothers. Society must challenge traditional gender roles and promote a more equitable division of labour within households.

Unequal parental leave policies reinforce the gendered division of mental labour—the invisible work of anticipating, planning, and organising caregiving and domestic responsibilities. This imbalance starts early, with mothers typically taking longer paid leave, which entrenches their role as the "default" parent while fathers miss out on crucial bonding and skill-building time. When only mothers take extended leave, they become the primary experts in their child’s needs (feeding cues, sleep patterns, and emotional triggers). Fathers, with less hands-on time, usually defer to mothers rather than developing their own intuition. Mental labour isn’t just about doing tasks, it’s about anticipating needs like noticing the nappies stock is low, planning meals, or scheduling doctor visits. Without early immersion, fathers often remain in a "helper" role rather than becoming equal co-managers. Equal paternity leave isn’t just about "helping" mothers; it’s about forcing structural conditions where men must engage in mental labour. Over time, this reshapes norms, making caregiving a shared responsibility rather than a gendered penalty.

High-quality public housing & public services

High-quality public housing and public services are essential for supporting working mothers and their families. This includes access to free healthcare, universal access to social housing, free education at all levels, as well as financial support for families, such as child benefit. By ensuring that everyone’s basic needs are met, we can reduce the economic pressure on mothers, creating a more just and equitable society.

Challenging capitalist exploitation 

The pressure on working mothers is deeply intertwined with the capitalist system. Under capitalism, workers are often treated as disposable, and caregiving is undervalued because it does not generate profit. This system doesn’t work for us. We need to challenge this system, advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and the recognition of caregiving as essential labour. By shifting the focus from profit to people, we can create a society that values and supports working mothers.

Cultural shifts & collective action

While policy changes are essential, cultural shifts are also needed. This includes challenging the societal expectation that women should be the primary caregivers and celebrating diverse family structures. Media representation, education, and community initiatives can play a role in shifting cultural norms and promoting gender equality.

Collective action is also crucial. Working mothers, caregivers, and allies must come together to fight for systemic change. Unions, grassroots organisations, and political movements can amplify the voices of working mothers and push for policies that prioritise their well-being. Building solidarity and working collectively is the beginning of creating a society that values caregiving and supports all families.

Laura Gaskell is a mam of 2, a member of the Socialist Workers Network and People Before Profit, an IT Program Manager and a grassroots activist from Tallaght. 

Notes

1. Fathers currently receive only two weeks paid leave after the baby is born while mothers can avail of up to 6 months paid and another 4 months unpaid leave.

“Mental labour isn’t just about doing tasks, it’s about anticipating needs like noticing the nappies stock is low, planning meals, or scheduling doctor visits.”