HOME LIFE EXPERIENCES OF UNEMPLOYED MOTHERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study explored the narratives of the unemployed mothers regarding their home life experiences, specifically their construct of motherhood, pandemic- induced roles, and pandemic-cultivated self-worth during the COVID-19 pandemic. It employed phenomenological approach, and case study method to explore the uniqueness of each participants' narratives. There are five (5) participants, all of whom are aged 35 to 60 years old, mother of one or more children, and with live- in partner/husband.

Key informant interview guide was utilized during the data gathering. The data gathered from the participants were analyzed using thematic analysis. Consequently, the findings of the study were based on the themes that were generated.

The findings of this study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has generally negative effects on the home life experiences of the unemployed mothers. It is revealed that poor financial status, and starvation are among the struggles the participants experienced during the pandemic, especially during the lockdowns. The motherhood of the participants was challenged as they had to carry the burden of their motherly responsibilities as well as the added roles, they had to assume to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic. It is also revealed that some of them felt changes within themselves in this process. However, there's still a bit of positivity left in the participants' lives as they recounted having delightful moments while struggling during the pandemic.