Balancing the double day : exploring the experiences and coping strategies employed by black African mothers in urban Johannesburg

Abstract: Globally, women take on more unpaid work when compared to men, impacting their full participation in paid work. For working mothers, balancing participation in paid work with that of care work at home can be extremely challenging. In South Africa, there are limited studies that explore how black African working mothers in particular balance their paid work and motherhood roles. As a result, little is understood of the everyday experiences of black African working mothers. Thus, the purpose of this research study is to address this gap, to explore the coping strategies employed by black African working mothers and to make recommendations to better support working mothers. A qualitative research methodology was used for the study and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with seven black African working mothers in middle management positions in Johannesburg. Findings from the interviews speak to both the benefits and challenges of being a working mother; with working mothers acknowledging the finnacial independence and intellectual stimulation that comes with working as well as the lack of time, challenges with dual roles and additional stressors, like depression, studying and growing the family. Coping was facilitated by accessing external help, like domestic workers; family support, as well as supportive work environments. Based on findings, this study recommends that employers develop effective workplace programmes to promote and support working mothers’ health outcomes and career progression. This also includes normalising the integration of women’s unpaid care work and motherhood responsibilities into organisational life.M.Phil. (Social Policy and Development