This paper presents a review of the research concerning the effects of maternal employment on the child. Findings are organized around five theories: (1) the working mother provides a different role model than the non-working mother; (2) employment affects the mother's emotional state (sometimes providing satisfactions, sometimes harassment, and sometimes guilt) and this, in turn, influences the mother-child interaction; (3) the different situational demands as well as the emotional state of the working mother will affect child rearing practices; (4) working mothers provide less adequate supervision; and (5) the working mother's absence will result in emotional and possibly cognitive deprivation for the child. Evidence cited supports the first four theories. (Author/SET)