Work and family: The experience of clergywomen

This is a study of the roles of professional and mother as experienced by clergywomen. Research was discussed with reference to work-family role integration and clergy family issues. Sixteen participants were interviewed twice in ninety-minute audiotaped sessions which were later transcribed and coded for prevalent themes. The major themes identified were (1) stresses and challenges, (2) rewards and satisfactions, (3) issues of authority, and (4) issues of nurturance. Results revealed a pattern of stresses and rewards in these dual roles, with rewards outweighing stresses. Rewards included flexibility, variety of work; expertise in balancing multiple demands; new spiritual insights; greater understanding of developmental stages; more acceptance of self and others; and increased sensitivity in counseling roles. Stresses and challenges included expectations of fulfilling multiple roles; difficulty in protecting children from negative experiences; managing rivalry in the congregation; the pace and sense of being always on call ; seasonal pressures; and financial difficulties. The expression of nurturance was considered the ground of both nurturance and authority. Skills and sensitivities in both roles were thought to be similar. Challenges included dependency needs of some congregants, the need to model emotional and spiritual health and confrontation of the semi-divine expectations placed on clergy. Opportunities identified were the integration of work and family values and the recognition of people\u27s gifts. Authority issues included the challenge to hierarchical models in the ministry and rabbinate, realistic expectations of clerical roles, issues of excersion and extension of authority, and the dilemmas of developing lay leadership. Differences and similarities in extending authority at home and in the family were identified and an emphasis on the connections between authority and nurturance were noted. Methodologically, this study provided an in-depth presentation of significant issues in the lives of clergywomen who are mothers. It was exploratory in nature, and was meant to raise issues and questions for further research. Further research is warranted with different populations of clergywomen in both qualitative and quantitative forms to determine the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications concerning the results of the study are presented for policy recommendations, clergy education and counseling