Understanding Work-Family Conflict Among Women Who Provide Informal Care: An Exploratory Research
Gender Issues, cilt.43, sa.1, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 43 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12147-025-09394-4
- Dergi Adı: Gender Issues
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, ABI/INFORM, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Gender Studies Database, Index Islamicus, Psycinfo, Religion and Philosophy Collection, Violence & Abuse Abstracts, Social Sciences Abstracts, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Political Science Database (ProQuest), Sociology Database (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Caregiving burden, Qualitative research, Women, Work-family conflict
- Isparta Uygulamalı Bilimler Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Based on the concepts of work-family and caregiver burden drawn from the theories, this study aims to understand the experiences of working women who continue their professional lives while simultaneously taking care of their sick, elderly, disabled, or special needs family members at home. These women often face unique challenges as they navigate the demands of both their professional and caregiving responsibilities, leading to heightened stress and emotional strain. In line with this purpose, a qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted to gain in-depth insights into their lived experiences. Nineteen women who had directly encountered these challenges were selected through a purposeful sampling method, utilizing the researchers' social networks to reach participants. The analysis revealed that the additional duties and responsibilities resulting from the care burden, the associated physical and emotional exhaustion, and the extra time required for these responsibilities significantly contributed to both family-to-work and work-to-family conflicts. These conflicts were further intensified by traditional gender roles that place disproportionate caregiving expectations on women. Moreover, the lack of adequate perceived social support from both family members and colleagues exacerbated the difficulties in managing these dual responsibilities. The study highlights the urgent need for workplace policies and societal interventions to support working women in balancing their professional and caregiving roles more effectively.