Role conflict experienced by married black woman educators

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of role conflict experienced by married black woman educators by means of a review of literature and an empirical investigation. The empirical study was also aimed at determining role conflict factors experienced to a great extent and those experienced to a slight extent. Chapter 1 deals with the problem statement, aims of the research and the methods employed to achieve the purpose of the study. The second chapter highlights the nature of the woman's role. The description of the role was given. This chapter also provided a discussion of the legal framework on the role of a woman as indicated by the legislation of the Republic of South Africa, mostly guided by the Constitution, which remains the supreme law of the country. The discussion of the nature of women's role within the home was given. Discussions on a woman as a homemaker and a mother and the physical, spiritual, moral, social, and emotional welfare were given. The nature of women's roles outside the home was presented. In the third chapter the nature of role conflict was investigated. The description of role conflict was laid out. Attention was given to a discussion of both the intra-role conflict and inter-role conflict. Factors contributing to a woman educator experiencing intra-role conflict within her home and profession were discussed. Factors contributing towards inter-role conflict were also identified and discussed. The empirical research design, questionnaire as research tool and the construction of the questionnaire were discussed in chapter four. The duly completed questionnaires returned by the woman educators as respondents were empirically analysed and interpreted in this chapter. The last chapter, chapter five, gives a summary of all the chapters, the research findings and recommendations based on the research findings derived from the previous chapters as well as an ultimate statement. The research findings indicate that most of the respondents expect their husbands to support them physically and psychologically. It is found that in addition to lack of support from husbands, time constraints are another main contributing factor towards role conflict experienced by woman educators. Despite their hard work, they are unable to accomplish all that they need to. These two factors: lack of spouse support and time constraints, need to be given the necessary attention in future research.