Parentalities and Early Childhood Care in Mexican Universities

Abstract

Although higher education institutions (HEIs) have been key players in academic debates on motherhood and fatherhood in Mexico, they pay little attention to what happens within their communities. The conditions under which motherhood and fatherhood are practiced, especially when it comes to early childhood care, are often made invisible, and the inequalities that underlie them are underrecognized. This article looks to make motherhood and fatherhood visible in Mexican HEIs from an inequality perspective, with an emphasis on the balance between academic and caregiving responsibilities. To this end, we draw on national statistical data and the design of a proprietary questionnaire that was administered to various university profiles: undergraduate and graduate students and academic and research staff. The results show that HEIs are unaware of who the mothers and fathers are in their communities and what they need. Parenting experiences are not homogeneous and reflect marked inequalities, especially for women, who face greater barriers to exercising motherhood and advancing their academic careers. Although some HEIs have support measures, these are limited in scope, which limits their effectiveness. It is concluded that, with a more inclusive reorientation that is sensitive to gender inequalities and community profiles, HEIs could become more favorable spaces for those who care for or work with early childhood without sacrificing their studies, academic careers, or research.