The Impact of COVID-19 on the Work-Life Balance of Working Mothers: Evidence from Nigerian Academics
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Date
2022-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Personnel Review - Emerald Publishing Limited
Abstract
Purpose – Given the limiting gender role conditions arising from the prevalence of
patriarchy in Nigeria and the shift to workers staying at home due to the deadly spread of
COVID-19, this article explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work-life
balance of professional mothers using the work-home resources model as a conceptual lens.
Design/methodology/approach – The qualitative data is based on telephone interviews with
28 married female university academics with children.
Findings – Our findings reveal that the confinement policies enforced due to the need to
combat the spread of COVID-19 and patriarchal norms deeply embedded in the Nigerian
culture have exacerbated stress among women, who have needed to perform significantly
more housework and childcare demands alongside working remotely than they did prior to
the pandemic. The thematic analysis showed a loss of personal resources (e.g. time, energy,
and income) resulting in career stagnation, health concerns, and increased male chauvinism
due to the abrupt and drastic changes shaping the ‘new normal’ lifestyle.
Research limitations/implications – The study relies on a limited qualitative sample size,
which makes the generalisation of findings difficult. However, the study contributes to the
emerging global discourse on the profound negative consequences of COVID-19 on the lives
and livelihoods of millions, with a focus on the stress and work-family challenges
confronting women in a society that is not particularly egalitarian – unlike western cultures.
Originality/value – The article provides valuable insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic
has dramatically affected professional working mothers in the Sub-Saharan African context,
where literature is scarce.
Description
Staff Publication