Abstract
Finding a balance between work and family life is challenging for many women, particularly migrant women living in Australia without family support. This study provides insights into their dilemmas, difficulties and strengths in terms of household responsibilities and employment pressures. Design: Qualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten South Asian skilled mothers living in Canberra, Australia. Findings: Participants were positive about contributing to their family’s income and gaining financial independence. However, as skilled migrant women, they struggled to use their work skills due to increased demands of domestic responsibilities. They often negotiated work and family life by seeking low-prospect careers. Conclusion: The socio-cultural factors faced by South Asian migrant women have a significant impact on their work-life balance. Deskilling, increased work pressures and lack of support may negatively impact their career aspirations and well-being. Flexible policies can help mitigate these barriers to help migrant women maintain a work-life balance.
Highlights
With more than one-quarter of its population comprising international migrants, the strength of Australian society lies in its rich cultural diversity (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2019)
Finding a balance between work and family life is challenging for many women, migrant women living in Australia without family support
All study participants mentioned the pressure of keeping everyone happy and the desire to have a spotless house, cook good food and have obedient children. This qualitative study shows that skilled South Asian women struggle to balance work and family demands due to socio-cultural roles carried from their origin countries
Summary
With more than one-quarter of its population comprising international migrants, the strength of Australian society lies in its rich cultural diversity (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2019). Australian migrant women have lower rates of employment compared to Australian-born women (Broderick, 2012; Fortin, 2005; Liebig, 2007; Sloan, 2012) Despite their academic credentials, skilled migrant women often have to reduce their working hours, work in low-skill occupations or compromise their careers and take more traditional gender roles as wives and mothers after immigration (Cooke, Zhang, & Wang, 2013; Ho, 2006; Ressia et al, 2017). Little is known about the risks of underemployment and potential work-family conflict on migrant women’s health It is, vital to understand the experiences of the growing number of migrant women if they are to be successfully integrated into Australian society. What are the cultural expectations from migrant women regarding their domestic and caring responsibilities?
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