A comparative study of the work–life balance experiences and coping mechanisms of Nigerian and British single student-working mothers
Authors
Mordi, TonbaraAdisa, Toyin
Adekoya, Olatunji David
Sani, Kareem Folohunso
Mordi, Chima
Akhtar, Muhammad Naseer
Issue Date
2023-04-03
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Purpose: Recent gender-related research has focused on how gender affects work–life balance (WLB), particularly whether men and women have similar difficulties balancing work and family demands. However, to broaden WLB research beyond its concentration on employees to a different population, this study investigates the WLB experiences of single student-working mothers. Design/methodology/approach: This article uses a qualitative study using three focus groups to compare Nigerian and British single student-working mothers' WLB experiences and coping strategies or mechanisms adopted in these two contexts. Findings: The findings indicate that, regardless of nationality, single student-working mothers are affected by inter-role conflict, role ambiguity, role strain, role overload and external role pressures, which make achieving WLB a herculean task. Nevertheless, given the different political, economic and socio-cultural landscapes of the two countries, the extent to which the aforementioned factors impact single student-working mothers varies and influences the range of coping mechanisms adopted in the two contexts. Practical implications: The insights gleaned from this study suggest that there are huge challenges for single student-working mothers in terms of achieving WLB due to their status as students, workers and mothers. Combining these roles negatively affect their WLB and level of productivity and effectiveness, at home, at work and at university. This poses significant implications for human resource structures, policies and practices. The authors suggest that single student-mothers should learn from their counterparts' experiences and coping mechanisms, and that organisations and government should also provide adequate support to help them combine their challenging roles. This would ease the tension associated with combining multiple roles and enhance their well-being and WLB. Originality/value: The study calls for a re-examination of WLB policies and practices at organisational and national levels to ensure that single student-working mothers are well supported to enhance their productivity and WLB.Citation
Mordi, T., Adisa, T.A., Adekoya, O.D., Sani, K.F., Mordi, C. and Akhtar, M.N. (2023) A comparative study of the work–life balance experiences and coping mechanisms of Nigerian and British single student-working mothers. Career Development International, 28(2), pp. 217-233. https://doi.org/10.1108/CDI-10-2022-0280Publisher
EmeraldJournal
Career Development InternationalAdditional Links
https://doi.org/10.1108/CDI-10-2022-0280Type
Journal articleLanguage
enDescription
This is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Emerald in Career Development International on 03/04/2023 available online: https://doi.org/10.1108/CDI-10-2022-0280 The accepted manuscript may differ form the final published version.ISSN
1362-0436ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1108/CDI-10-2022-0280
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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/