Tilting of the balance between family and work: a gender inequality problem for the Underprivileged Married Women

Abstract

The post globalisation modern age juggles with the conceptual existence of work-life balance, a characteristic feature often assumed to have universal accessibility. However, this utopic vision is more than often denied to underprivileged married women in developing countries, and their experience varies significantly from those who enjoy social and financial stability. This paper attempts to navigate and explore the ways and means employed by these women with questionable resources as they confront and tackle the tug-of-war between work and family responsibilities. It also examines how far the perceptions of "balance" exists in their lives. Globally, developing regions endure socio-economic constraints, cultural norms, and limited institutional support which fester the quality of work-life balance, rendering its deterioration as a growing social hazard. Through the interviews and interactions with underprivileged married women, this study has identified key themes that contribute to their understanding and shaping of balance, such as economic necessity, societal expectations, and lack of support systems. The paper hopes to generate greater awareness on the importance of work-life balance, strengthen gender equality, and advocate for stronger social protections by sharing the stories of these women’s lived experiences with a larger reading audience. Addressing work-life imbalance in these contexts becomes essential for improving the quality of life of underprivileged women and advancing societal progress of womenfolk as a group.