Family Responsibilities Research Articles

Empowering work-life balance: Exploring the nexus of flexible work arrangements, job satisfaction, and women's well-being in SMEs

The aim of this study is to evaluate flexible working arrangements, work-life balance, and job satisfaction among women who work in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of flexible working arrangements, particularly for women juggling work and family responsibilities. The study evaluates the extent to which flexible working arrangements enable women to maintain a balance between work and family life in order to achieve work-related satisfaction. One hundred and thirty questionnaires were collected from the respondents for analysis. The analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between flexible working arrangements and work-life balance/job satisfaction among women working in SMEs. Importantly, work-life balance is an explicit factor that influences job satisfaction and mediates the relationship between flexible working arrangements and job satisfaction. These findings emphasize the need for organizations to seriously consider implementing flexible working arrangements and work-life balance policies in return for enhanced satisfaction of their workforce, especially women in SMEs in Malaysia. Research in this area is scarce; however, these findings offer valuable insights for SMEs in improving employee satisfaction and striving for growth and sustainability in the long run.

How psychological perceptions and family dynamics shape necessity- and opportunity-based female entrepreneurship: the role of gender equality

Purpose This paper aims to explore how psychological perceptions and family situations drive women into necessity- or opportunity-based female entrepreneurship (NBFE or OBFE) and the moderating role of gender equality. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts multilevel logistic regression analysis to examine relationships based on a sample of 6,843 women across eight developing countries drawn from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). Findings The findings suggest that capability and opportunity perceptions positively affect NBFE and OBFE. Family responsibility burden positively affects NBFE and has a U-shaped relationship with OBFE. Household income negatively affects NBFE but positively affects OBFE. Gender equality weakens the U-shaped relationship between family responsibility burden and OBFE but strengthens the positive relationship between capability perception and NBFE and between opportunity perception and NBFE. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the need for targeted policies and support that consider the distinct antecedents and mechanisms of NBFE and OBFE, as well as the importance of promoting gender equality and entrepreneurial education to empower women in their entrepreneurial endeavors. A limitation of this study is the reliance on older data from the GEM, which may not fully capture the current dynamics of developing societies. While the study provides valuable insights, future research should incorporate more recent data to enhance the applicability of the results. Originality/value This study deepens the understanding of antecedents of NBFE and OBFE, breaking through the existing literature that neglects the heterogeneity of female entrepreneurship (FE).

Implementing vocational rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis in the UK National Health Service: a mixed-methods feasibility study

Purpose To implement a job retention vocational rehabilitation (VR) intervention (MSVR) for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their employers in the UK National Health Service (NHS). Methods Multicentre, single-arm feasibility study with post-intervention interviews. MSVR was delivered by an occupational therapist (OT). Feasibility was assessed by recruitment rates, compliance, and practicality of delivery. Acceptability was assessed with post-intervention interviews. A survey assessed change in eight vocational outcomes (e.g., vocational goals, work instability) immediately post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Results Recruitment and training an OT was challenging. Twenty participants with MS, three employers, and three healthcare professionals were recruited. All participants but one completed the intervention. Factors affecting intervention adherence included annual leave and family responsibilities. MSVR was associated with improved vocational goal attainment post-intervention (t(18) = 7.41, p = <0.001) and at follow-up (t(17) = 6.01, p = <0.001). There was no change to the remaining outcomes. Interviews identified six themes: intervention impact, accessibility of support, the OT’s role, readiness for support, workplace supportiveness, and barriers to NHS delivery. Conclusion Challenges with recruitment, identifying newly diagnosed MS participants, and understanding the OT’s training needs to deliver the intervention were identified. The intervention demonstrated acceptability, but participants wanted it to continue for longer to address further needs.

A Qualitative Exploration on Psychological Stressors and Coping Mechanisms in Medical Laboratory Personnel

Healthcare professionals, particularly those working in high-stress environments like hospitals, are frequently exposed to significant psychological challenges. This study explores the psychological stressors and coping mechanisms of medical laboratory personnel at the People's Hospital of Keyouqianqi, Inner Mongolia, China. Using a qualitative research design, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 participants, focusing on their experiences of stress and the strategies they use to manage it. The findings reveal that the most significant stressors include high workloads, time pressure, the responsibility for diagnostic accuracy, and interpersonal conflicts within the workplace. Additionally, personal and social stressors, such as balancing work with family responsibilities, further compounded their stress levels. Participants employed a variety of coping mechanisms, both problem-focused and emotion-focused, with effective strategies including building strong professional relationships, engaging in physical activities, and practicing mindfulness. However, some participants resorted to ineffective coping strategies, such as avoidance behaviors and unhealthy habits, which often exacerbated their stress. This study highlights the complex interplay between individual coping strategies and the cultural and institutional context in which these professionals operate. The findings have important implications for practice and policy, offering insights into how healthcare institutions can better support the mental health and well-being of their staff.

Depression and Functioning during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Adults across Tunisia.

We aimed to understand how risk (trauma history, health problems, financial problems, family problems) and protective (friend support, family support) factors influenced daily functioning (e.g., self-care, mobility, social participation) among Tunisian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, directly and through their impact on depression, with a focus on gender differences. We recruited a representative sample of 2014 participants (1024 males, 990 females) using random digit dialing of mobile phone numbers across all 24 governorates in Tunisia. Females reported higher depression, greater impaired functioning, and a higher likelihood of having had COVID-19. Path analysis showed a good fit to the model when paths for males and females were allowed to vary, providing evidence for gender differences. Associations between trauma exposure and depression and depression and age with functioning were stronger among females. Social support from friends was a protective factor for males only. For males, all study variables were associated with functioning indirectly through their association with depression, except for support from friends. For females, family responsibilities and health problems had both direct and indirect effects, whereas other study variables were only linked with functioning through depression. Findings provide insights into factors that can be targeted in interventions aimed at reducing depression and improving daily functioning for males and females.

Upaya Pemenuhan Hak dan Kewajiban Suami Istri Disabilitas

Rights and obligations arise from the practice of valid marriage. Therefore, each couple must fulfill their rights and obligations equitably. However, many couples struggle to perform these duties effectively due to various factors, including personal limitations that hinder their ability to meet their rights and obligations, often stemming from the incomplete or impaired functioning of one or more body parts. This research aims to explore the efforts made by disabled spouses to fulfill their rights and obligations and the impact of these efforts on family resilience. The study employs field research, utilizing an empirical approach and data collection techniques such as interviews and sampling. The findings indicate that the endeavors of disabled couples to fulfill their rights and obligations are remarkable. Husbands are willing to work hard to provide for their households, demonstrating care and commitment to family responsibilities. Meanwhile, wives also actively seek additional income and show obedience and respect towards their husbands. These efforts have positive implications for the resilience of their households.

Self-Attainment or Self-Delusion? A Study of Eugene O’neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night

This paper sets out to prove that characters in Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night assert themselves, and in the process, disintegrate the family and disrupt social cohesion. It is based on the assumption that O’Neill’s characters in this play cannot attain the self without family and societal disintegration. It seems that self-fulfilment and family/social cohesion cannot be achieved simultaneously these characters tend to pay attention to one of these values at a time. Individual frustration precedes instability in the family and societal relationships. The theories adopted as appropriate tools for this paper are Psychoanalytical theory and Deconstruction. This choice is guided by the major preoccupation in the paper. Psychoanalysis helps in analyzing the psychical state of characters in the play before, during, and after the quest. Meanwhile, Deconstruction facilitates the examination of the indeterminacy of the characters’ quest for the self in O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night. One of O’Neill’s major concerns is human relationships, especially marriage, and the challenges that usually characterize these relationships. Characters’ quest to assert themselves while, intentionally or not, ignoring their family and social responsibilities leads to individualism and self-destruction. O’Neill advocates the harmonization of self questing with unity in the family and social cohesion if self-fulfilment will be achieved.

Pemaknaan Generasi Sandwich Dalam Perspektif Generasi Z (Studi Fenomenologi pada Generasi Z di Kabupaten Kuningan)

The sandwich generation is a group of individuals who are caught between two responsibilities, namely taking care of the upper generation (parents) and the lower generation (younger siblings). This phenomenon is increasingly relevant among generation Z who are entering their productive age by facing financial and emotional challenges in managing family responsibilities. The aim of this research is to explain how generation Z in Kuningan Regency interprets and understands their role as part of the sandwich generation. The research method uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach to find information about participants' subjective experiences by conducting in-depth interviews to collect data. The results of this research show that generation Z who are the sandwich generation have different meanings such as family responsibilities, social pressure, disaster and a gift from God to repay their parents' services. This research also found that factors that influence it include the economic, cultural and social conditions of society. It is hoped that this research will provide new insight into the dynamics of the sandwich generation in Indonesia, especially among generation Z, and help identify relevant interventions to support them in carrying out this role.

Confucian Familialism and the Crisis of Care

Abstract This paper critically examines Confucian proposals for social welfare espoused by contemporary Confucian moral and political theorists, who promote a familialist, residual welfare state in which welfare provision should be the family's primary responsibility and public assistance be a last resort only available to the poor without family support. By investigating the situation in South Korea, a country whose welfare system bears a striking resemblance to the Confucian ideal, I argue that the Confucian scheme is inherently flawed. It considers poverty to be a personal failure, idealizes the family as a single unity of common interest free from power hierarchies, and lacks knowledge about social reproduction. Their proposal in actuality humiliates and excludes disadvantaged and marginalized people from social protection, abdicates the state's responsibility for the well-being of citizens, and colludes with capitalism in free riding on women's unpaid labor.

Gender differences in the health workforce in China: an analysis of national data.

Gender differences in the health workforce matter for women's health and healthcare, and is also crucial for both health and economic development. Drawing on limited national gender data from China over the last 10 years, during which the country was undergoing a healthcare reform, this study dissects gender-related issues to identify existing problems, monitor progress, and develop strategies to promote change. Although women constituted the majority of health workers, they are predominantly engaged in service-oriented occupations. The gender distribution substantially differed between urban and rural primary health institutions. Moreover, significant differences in gender distribution among professional public health institutions were observed. The gender distribution of administrators varied in different types of health institutions. Women had lighter workloads because of the imbalanced distribution of specialties. Academicians comprised very few female scientists. To promote a more balanced gender distribution, policies should be developed to encourage a more reasonable division of family responsibilities. Further, equal higher education opportunities should be ensured for girls, especially in rural areas. Solutions to free more women from work-marriage-childcare conflicts and to decrease turnover rates deserve further discussion. Gender data should be highlighted and optimized to further advance gender differences among the health workforce and for women's health in China.

A STUDY ON WORKING WOMEN’S FINANCIAL DECISIONS IN BANGALORE NORTH

This study investigates the financial decision-making patterns of working women in Bangalore North, focusing on the factors that influence their personal finance management and investment choices. Through a combination of surveys and interviews, the research explores the impact of demographic variables such as age, education, income level, and marital status on financial decisions. It also examines the role of societal expectations, family responsibilities, and financial literacy in shaping their ability to make informed financial choices. The findings highlight both the progress and the challenges that working women face in achieving financial independence. Despite an increasing number of women participating in the workforce, many still encounter barriers to effective financial planning, including limited access to tailored financial products and a lack of comprehensive financial education. The study concludes by recommending policies and initiatives that aim to empower working women, enhance their financial literacy, and support their pursuit of financial autonomy. KEY-WORDS: Societal Expectations, Family Responsibilities, Financial Independence, Financial Planning, Demographic Factors, Empowerment, Gender and Finance, Workforce Participation

Hygienic practice during complementary feeding and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-24 months in Borecha Woreda, southwestern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Complementary feeding is a critical transitional phase in the life of an infant, and complementary foods should be prepared, stored, and fed hygienically, with clean hands, dishes, and utensils to prevent diseases. However, the prevalence and risk factors associated with hygienic complementary feeding practice have not been well addressed in Ethiopia, especially in the study area. This study aimed to assess hygienic practices and associated factors during complementary feeding among mothers with children aged 6-24 months in Borecha Woreda, Buno Bedele Zone, southwestern Ethiopia, in 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage sampling technique. The study was conducted on 536 mothers of children aged 6-24 months in Borecha Woreda from 1 March to 1 April 2022. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were coded, cleaned, edited, and entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and then exported to SPSS version 20.0 for further analysis. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. Moreover, crude (for bivariate) and adjusted (multivariable) odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to assess the association between independent factors and outcome variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 536 respondents, 350 (65.3%) exhibited poor hygienic practices during complementary feeding. The risk of poor hygienic practices was about two times higher among women over 30 than those under 25 (AOR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.11-2.90). Mothers whose husbands had primary education or higher had a 50% reduced risk (AOR: 0.50; 95% CI 0.31-0.83) of poor hygienic care practices during complementary feeding compared to their counterparts. The odds of poor hygiene practice among mothers with poor knowledge of hygienic care were 2.71 times higher than those with good knowledge (AOR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.60-4.61). The prevalence of poor hygienic practices during the preparation and handling of complementary foods among mothers in Borecha Woreda is high compared to other studies. Therefore, improving hygiene practices during complementary food preparation requires the involvement and responsibility of policymakers, the community, and families.

Self-management in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

BackgroundThere has been a sharp increase in the prevalence of hypertension in young and middle-aged people at high risk of the disease. Despite the fact that good self-management can be effective in controlling blood pressure, patients do not perform well in this area, resulting in poor blood pressure control. It is therefore particularly important to gain a thorough understanding of patients’ attitudes to self-management and the factors that influence them. The aim of this study was to synthesise the qualitative research on attitudes, motivations and challenges of self-management in young and middle-aged hypertensive patients, to analyse the synthesised results using the COM-B model and to propose appropriate improvement actions.MethodsFrom the time of construction until May 2023, the system searched PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsyCINFO and CNKI databases. The analyses were carried out using a thematic synthesis approach to summarise the key findings. The findings were then mapped and analysed using the COM-B model.ResultsA total of 11 studies were included, involving 250 patients between the ages of 18 and 64. Four themes with ten sub-themes were identified: Poor disease recognition (low disease perception, fuzzy disease knowledge); Barriers to doctor-patient interactions (short communication time, unmet knowledge needs, incomplete guidance for disease management); Living in a hostile environment (heavy workload, lack of companionship, ignorance of families); Expectations for a healthy body (responsibility of family roles, witness the cruelty of illness). Analysis of the composite results based on the COM-B model showed that low disease perceptions, barriers to doctor-patient interactions and life circumstances with enemies on all sides were the main challenges faced by young and middle-aged hypertensive patients, whereas the expectation of a healthy body was a motivation to promote self-management of blood pressure in patients.ConclusionsThis study shows that family responsibilities are a particular motivator for self-management in young and middle-aged hypertensive patients. In response to the problems they face, we believe that meeting patients’ knowledge needs, improving healthcare professionals’ communication skills and valuing the role of community hospitals are effective ways to promote patient self-management. In the future, telemedicine, mobile healthcare and intelligent monitoring devices will provide a solution to reduce the burden on medical resources.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42018100810.

New Turkey, social policy, and a daytime talk show as a remedy: Müge Anlı as a modern Çalıkuşu

ABSTRACT ‘Müge Anlı ile Tatlı Sert’, which investigates unresolved criminal cases with interactive audience support, is one the most popular daytime television shows in contemporary Turkey. The neoliberal restructuring of the welfare system in New Turkey posits that providing protection and security against social risks is the sole responsibility of individuals and families. In line with this approach, the show individualizes social problems ready to be resolved by ‘Müge Abla’ (Sister Müge) and her audience. Müge Anlı's image, which conforms to the ideal modern and modest Republican woman, allows her to gain authority, trust, respect, and popularity. The show’s discourses, structure, and communicative strategies are the product of the New Turkey where ‘the sacred family’ is the central political unit and the nation is an extended, happy family reproduced through this show.

Motherhood penalty for female physicians in Japan: evidence from a medical school’s alumni data

BackgroundFemale physicians with children often work fewer hours and take fewer shifts due to additional family responsibilities. This can contribute to a gender pay gap in the medical profession. However, limited research in Japan has quantitatively examined the factors contributing to this gap. This study aims to address this gap in the literature.MethodsWe analyzed the alumni data from a medical school in Hokkaido, Japan, for 260 physicians (198 males and 62 females). We used multivariable regression models to identify factors influencing earnings from medical practice, with a focus on gender, work schedules, parenthood, and any career interruptions related to childcare.ResultsOur analysis revealed a 25.0% earnings gap between male and female physicians. Nearly all female physicians with children experienced career interruptions due to childcare, while this was uncommon for male physicians. When these childcare-related interruptions were factored in, the gender pay gap narrowed by 9.7%. After adjusting for work schedules and specialty choices, female physicians with children still earned 37.2% less than male physicians, while those without children earned only 4.4% less. This suggests that motherhood is a significant driver of the gender pay gap among physicians.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the negative impact of motherhood on female physicians’ earnings. This emphasizes the need for policy measures to mitigate the disadvantages faced by mothers in the medical profession.

Revisiting the gendered ideal worker norm: An ethnography in Chinese non-governmental organizations

ABSTRACT This study revisits the concept of the “ideal worker,” situating it within the context of the re-traditionalization of Chinese gender relations and the contemporary landscape of Chinese NGOs, thereby offering novel insights into the gendered division of labor. The study provides a critical analysis of the feminization of Chinese NGOs, challenging the notion that it represents a progressive social movement. Instead, this study reveals how this trend inadvertently reinforces the intertwined structures of organizational dynamics and gender relations. This study also explores how demanding and low-paid work environments in Chinese NGOs create an imbalance between family and work responsibilities leading to the emergence of “ideal worker” archetypes that represent employees who dedicate long hours to work, with family responsibilities taking a secondary role. These archetypes, embodied by both men and women in actual work settings, are subject to markedly different societal evaluations. While the man ideal worker is often celebrated and rewarded, the woman ideal worker faces criticism for her non-traditional, feminist lifestyle choices. Overall, the study empirically demonstrates the unique formation of the gendered ideal worker in Chinese NGOs and illustrates how gendered norms are perpetuated in both professional and domestic settings.

Participation in formal adult education and family life—a gendered story

Abstract Previous literature on adult education (AE) has focused on various aspects of social inequalities, and although many acknowledge the critical role of gender, the mechanisms influencing gender differences in participation are rarely to the fore. Specifically, women report family responsibilities as the main reason for not enrolling in AE. This article examines whether family responsibilities, measured as the age and number of children, act as motivators or barriers to formal AE participation differently among men and women with varying time and monetary resources, that is, partnership status and relative income, in two societies with high formal AE enrolment rates; Finland and Great Britain. The results from Finnish registers and Understanding Society for 1998–2019 demonstrate clearly that family responsibilities related to having young children in the household restrict women from participating in formal AE to a greater extent than men in both countries. Further, while Finnish society enables individuals who traditionally have fewer resources to attend formal AE, that is, single parents and larger families, in Britain, formal AE is mainly taken up by individuals without children or those in stable family situations. The results highlight the importance of institutions in providing equal access to further educational qualifications.

Psychosocial Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Women’s Mental Health

Women mental health and impact of psychosocial factors on it, is highlighted in various psychological &amp; clinical studies, due to pandemic made it a matter of more focus. Studying the long-term impacts of the coronavirus on society, our mind, body and its analysis perhaps will take more time. Out of the total population, a number of people felt a disrupted sleep as a hallmark of the pandemic, and suffered from depression, insomnia, irritability, violence including domestic violence, distress, work pressure due to online culture of work, and other related negative mental health symptoms as idiosyncratic attributes especially in covid sufferers. Covid-19 pandemic has altered family dynamics. More screen time, unended &amp; fluctuated routines, for working women dissolving boundaries in workplace and personal life altered &amp; flicking habits, all impacted mental health adversely. The human brain is evolved to live in social groups &amp; wired for social interactions, epidemiological studies conducted on covid survivors, convalescents &amp; victims shows altered brain biochemistry due to various psychosocial factors including financial losses, social isolation, intimate partner’s negative mental state, discrimination, disrupted sleep &amp; routines, etc. Pandemic might has altered the romantic and loving relationships, and adversity of such psychosocial factors impacted people. Psychological strengths and resilience mainly depend on social determinants like social support, social culture, respect, engagement at workplace, parenting style in childhood &amp; emotional attachment, society &amp; family bonds, self-regulation &amp; behavior controlling, and collective efficacy, all these determinants are positively associated with self-esteem that have direct impact on enhancing psychological strengths. Population for the study as participants were females in early adulthood &amp; studying, professional and housewives. For data analysis, the statistical tools, descriptive, co-relational and regression analysis is used. The study focuses on effect of adverse aspects of adversity like pandemics financial crises like job losses, allowances or salary deductions, led to economic abuses, and somewhere gender discrimination, sexual abuse, household workload, escalation in family members expectations and responsibilities, adverse impact of these psychosocial factors on women’s mental health and role of education, knowledge, skills, and aptitude i.e. abilities &amp; cognitive competencies in coping and managing the adversities like pandemic.

Dilemma of family education for hearing‐impaired children in China: Responsibility or evasion?

AbstractDue to the difficulty in identifying and monitoring factors that cause hearing impairment during pregnancy, large numbers of new hearing‐impaired children are born every year. Children's hearing impairment can have an impact on all aspects of the family. Family education, as an important element of family function, plays a key role in the growth and development of hearing‐impaired children and in improving the interaction between hearing‐impaired children and their parents. Based on a qualitative study in central China, this article examines the current situation and dilemmas of family education for hearing‐impaired children. Results show that families of hearing‐impaired children generally have a tendency to avoid family education responsibilities, as demonstrated by the lack of family roles, low participation in specific family education, absence of communication and care functions and a laissez‐faire approach to bringing up their children. This evasive tendency cannot simply be attributed to parental irresponsibility; rather, it is the result of a combination of four factors and is closely related to insufficient social support. In the short term, a two‐pronged approach is needed: strengthening the government's responsibility and rendering assistance for families with hearing‐impaired children on the one hand, and establishing reliable links between home and school to provide professional support on the other. In the long run, it is necessary to build up a social support mechanism with social work intervention. This paper puts forward the need for collaboration among multiple parties and a family‐centred assistance model to promote a shift from the tendency towards evasion to active assumption of family responsibility.

Family intergenerational stress: Concept exploration and development via coping and identity management.

The sandwich generation faces dual responsibilities of supporting parents and raising children, resulting in heightened levels of stress and negative work-related outcomes. Despite a wealth of research on the sandwich generation, few studies have examined the specific nature of the multigenerational needs of the sandwich generation. Accordingly, we introduce a new concept termed family intergenerational stress (FIS), which refers to the interaction and integration of stresses from elder caregiving, child-rearing, and associated challenges with self-definition. Through the lens of FIS, we collected interview data from 137 sandwich generation employees, secondary network data, and field observation data from 21 employees. We further used grounded theory to explore employees' stress and coping responses to dual family responsibilities. Findings indicate that employees with both elder caregiving and child-rearing responsibilities experience FIS. This, in turn, threatens their identity as an ideal worker and is associated with lower work engagement. Findings further reveal that in coping with FIS, employees adopt different identity-based strategies. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).