Book review: Maternal optimism: Forging positive paths through work and motherhood, by J. Ladge and D. Greenberg. Oxford University Press, 2019

Abstract

In Maternal Optimism, Ladge and Greenberg expertly explore how women can survive and thrive in the work and family domains. Spanning the gamut of potential work-life events, the authors tackle the topics of pre-pregnancy, maternity, return to work, empty nesting, and retirement. Designed as a resource for working women to “provide...stories and research that support the notion of owning and feeling confident in the choices you make as future or current working mothers” (x), this review relays the book’s key themes, focusing on those with particular relevance for management scholars and practitioners, leaders and organizations. Because of its American-centric focus and pre-COVID-19 publication, special care is taken to integrate a more global focus and consider some COVID-19-related reflections. However, diverse groups of readers in management education, academia, and practice may find this resource interesting and relevant.