The Maternal Time-Squeeze: A Qualitative Exploration of Mothers’ Perception of Time Poverty and Maternity Rights in the Maldives
Abstract
Time poverty, which is often described experiencing a lack of sufficient time to fulfil responsibilities or engage in activities that contributing to person wellbeing, is globally explored however the specific intersection of maternity rights and time poverty within small island states (SIDS) remains understudied. This study provides a critical evaluation of the Maldivian legislative framework, specifically the Employment Act (Act No. 2/2008), intended to alleviate time poverty through mandated maternity and childcare leave. Drawing on semi-structured interviews regarding the lived experience of eight working mothers in Malé City and Addu City, this study identifies 3 key themes that negatively impact the lived realities of working mothers in the Maldives: institutional disparities, physical infrastructures, and cultural norms. This study contributes to the limited socio-legal research in SIDS, especially in the Maldivian context, by demonstrating how geographic and systemic constraints render formal maternity rights difficult to realize in practice. These findings have implications for policy reform, suggesting that substantive relief from time poverty requires a shift from performative legislation toward systemic changes.
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