The work-family conflict experienced by South African women of different race groups : a phenomenological study

• Main Author: Tengimfene, Nikelwa F.
• Other Authors: May M.S.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: Work-family conflict; Multiple roles; Working women; Motherhood; Socialisation; Role conflict; Overload; Interference; Strong emotions; Compromised quality time; Second shift; Sole custodianship; Elderly parents; Coping mechanisms; Helper/maids; 305.48896; Work and family > South Africa; Working mothers > South Africa; Women > South Africa > Social conditions; Women > South Africa > Economic conditions; Role conflict > South Africa > Psychological aspects; Women > Job stress > South Africa; Women > Employment > South Africa; Dual-career families > South Africa; Women in the professions > South Africa
• Online Access: Tengimfene, Nikelwa F. (2009) The work-family conflict experienced by South African women of different race groups : a phenomenological study, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3181>; http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3181

The family roles and responsibilities are still allocated along the gender lines. Women assume primary child care and household roles despite working fulltime. They suffer from work-family conflict as they battle with these competing demands. A phenomenological approach was adopted for this study. The existing literature was used in defining work-family conflict, looking at different work-family theories; development of gendered defined roles, motherhood and demands brought on by women working fulltime. The semi-structured interview was used for data collection. The themes which emerged showed that women experience strong emotions associated with raising children whilst working. There is compromise on quality time dedicated in each role. Women assume sole custodian over their children’s upbringing. Women enter into a second shift after work. Having a career and children, is made easier through adoption of strong coping strategies and mechanisms. The conclusions and recommendations were made for future a research and organisational practices. === Industrial and Organisational Psychology === Thesis (M.A. (Industrial and Organisational Psycology))