Marital structure and domestic gender role practice: implications for subjective well-being of working mothers teaching in Nigerian primary schools

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study examined the association of marital structure and domestic gender role practice, with the subjective well-being of working mothers in Nigeria. Marital structure was measured as the type of marriage and living arrangement with husband, while domestic gender role practice was assessed as breadwinning and house chore role practices. Using a sample of 1320 married female primary school teachers, the study determined the prevalence of impaired well-being, and marriage type, living arrangement, breadwinning, and house chore role practice as predictors of well-being. A questionnaire and the English mental health continuum short form were used to collect data. Using IBM SPSS software version 23, demographic data were analysed in frequencies and percentages. Binary logistic regression was used to test three null hypotheses at p < 0.05. Findings showed a 36.2% prevalence of 'not flourishing' mental well-being. Polygamy, living away from the husband, and having the sole responsibility of house chores were associated with poorer well-being. The breadwinning role was not a significant factor. In conclusion, polygamy, living apart, and practising traditionalism in house chore roles might have negative implications for the subjective well-being of Nigerian working mothers. Therefore, Nigerian society should further evaluate the gender role expectations of working mothers.