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Work–Family Balance Choices of Women Working in Kenyan Universities

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  • Gladys Muasya

Abstract

The proportion of women working in the formal sector in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased in recent years. The kinship networks are weakening, leading to a decline in the traditional forms of support for child care and housework. This study examined the work–family balance options of women working in Kenyan universities within the context of changing national domestic workers’ legislation. Data were collected by use of surveys in two universities. Results showed that as the cost of hiring domestic workers increased, women became indifferent in their choice between employing domestic workers and using daycare centers. Women with older children who employed day domestic workers were more likely to use daycare centers than women with younger children who employed live-in domestic workers. Women with young children in preschool and primary school found their universities less accommodating in helping them balance work and family demands. Employers perceived that the domestic workers’ legislation led to a drop in morale among domestic workers, and demands of pay raises as they became choosier and more inclined to search for better paying employers. It also resulted in a shift of work–family balance strategy for women who opted to hire domestic workers on an “as-needed†or “weekend basis.†Some women stopped hiring them altogether and instead started taking their young children to daycare centers. Cost and affordability determined the use of domestic workers. These women suggested that their employers should increase their job flexibility and put up subsidized daycare centers.

Suggested Citation

  • Gladys Muasya, 2016. "Work–Family Balance Choices of Women Working in Kenyan Universities," SAGE Open, , vol. 6(1), pages 21582440166, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:6:y:2016:i:1:p:2158244016630772
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244016630772
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Miller, C.M. & Gruskin, S. & Subramanian, S.V. & Rajaraman, D. & Heymann, S.J., 2006. "Orphan care in Botswana's working households: Growing responsibilities in the absence of adequate support," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(8), pages 1429-1435.
    2. Karla Damiano-Teixeira, 2006. "Managing Conflicting Roles: A Qualitative Study with Female Faculty Members," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 27(2), pages 310-334, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jingyue Zhang & Yipeng Tian, 2019. "Housework Division and Second-Child Fertility Anxiety among Couples in China: The Urban and Rural Differences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-14, October.

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