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Combining work and child care: The experiences of mothers in Accra, Ghana

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  • Philippa Waterhouse
  • Allan G. Hill
  • Andrew Hinde

Abstract

Work–family research has focused predominantly on western women. Yet the forms of economic labour in which women are typically involved and the meaning of motherhood are context specific. This article aims to explore the experience of combining economic activity and child care of mothers with young children using urban Ghana as a case study. Semi-structured interviews (n = 24) were conducted in three locations in the Accra Metropolitan Area. Transcripts were analysed using the general inductive approach. The results found women’s experience of role conflict to be bi-directional. With regard to role enhancement, economic activity allowed women to provide materially for their children. The combination of work and child care had negative consequences for women’s well-being. This research questions policy-makers’ strategy of frequently targeting women in their roles either as generators of income or as the primary care-takers of children by highlighting the reality of women’s simultaneous performance of these roles.

Suggested Citation

  • Philippa Waterhouse & Allan G. Hill & Andrew Hinde, 2017. "Combining work and child care: The experiences of mothers in Accra, Ghana," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(6), pages 771-786, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:deveza:v:34:y:2017:i:6:p:771-786
    DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2017.1323627
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    Cited by:

    1. Kenneth Owusu Ansah & Nutifafa Eugene Yaw Dey & Abigail Esinam Adade & Pascal Agbadi, 2022. "Determinants of life satisfaction among Ghanaians aged 15 to 49 years: A further analysis of the 2017/2018 Multiple Cluster Indicator Survey," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(1), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Avenyo, Elvis K. & Francois, John Nana & Zinyemba, Tatenda P., 2020. "COVID-19, Lockdowns, and Africa’s Informal Sector: Lessons from Ghana," MERIT Working Papers 2020-028, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).

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