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Working moms commonly testify that they feel guilty when they are away from their children and guilty when they are not at their jobs. Devoted fathers certainly miss their children deeply, but it does not seem to be with the same gnawing, primal anxiety that often afflicts women.
Camille Paglia
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Working mothers often experience guilt over balancing their professional and family lives, which is not equally felt by fathers.

This quote highlights the unique struggles that working mothers face in balancing their responsibilities at work and home. While both mothers and fathers feel the emotional weight of being away from their children, the author suggests that mothers experience a more acute sense of guilt and anxiety, reflecting societal expectations and norms surrounding parenting and gender roles.

Themes

Working MothersGuiltParentingFamilyGender Roles

In practice

Example use cases

In a conference about work-life balance for mothers, this quote could be used to illustrate the unique challenges they face.

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