Academic Writing and Motherhood: Narratives of Challenges and Possibilities .

Research Project, 2024 –

Recent research in the Swedish context has revealed significant gender disparities in academic publication rates following the birth of a first child (Ejermo, 2024). While Sweden offers generous parental leave policies, the increasing pressure for international competitiveness in academia appears to create unique challenges for academic mothers. This phenomenon requires deeper investigation into the lived experiences of academic mothers to understand both the barriers they face and the support systems that enable their success.

This pilot study, currently in its preparatory phase, will employ qualitative interviews and narrative inquiry to examine how academic mothers navigate productivity demands while balancing parental roles. The research methodology is being developed to identify challenges affecting research productivity during early parenthood, document successful support strategies, and explore how institutional structures shape these experiences. I welcome potential collaborators interested in contributing to the study design and implementation. The findings will generate insights for developing more supportive academic environments.