A trajetória das discentes-mães nos cursos de pós-graduação em ciências contábeis: desempenho, permanência, percepção e desafios

Abstract

This qualitative research investigated the perceptions, challenges, and trajectories of student-mothers during the pursuit of Graduate Programs in Accounting Sciences in Brazil. An interpretative and analytical approach was employed to comprehend the maternal experience in the academic accounting context. Participants were selected through snowball sampling technique, and the study included sixteen student-mothers enrolled in master's or doctoral programs at Brazilian universities. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and written testimonies. Content Analysis was used to analyze the data, revealing that motherhood can negatively impact the academic progression of student-mothers, leading to an overload of daily responsibilities in balancing childcare and academic demands. The study identified a lack of specific policies and guidelines to address the needs of student-mothers, highlighting the necessity to improve existing policies to ensure equitable opportunities. The findings underscored the importance of fostering an inclusive and responsive academic environment for student-mothers in graduate programs in Accounting Sciences.