Work-Family Conflicts: Assessing a South African Sample of Urban Employees

Abstract

The article explores the scope and impact of employees’ work responsibilities on the family life and vice-versa. It describes the coping styles adopted by a sample of urban employees and the efficacies of these styles. A semi-structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews were the means of collecting data from 48 respondents who were either dual career couples or single parents. The findings reveal that virtually all the respondents experience serious work-family conflicts, especially with managing their time, domestic chores, and stress. The challenge is for the employer, the employee, trade unions and partners to support each other to alleviate work-family conflicts. The findings are important given the focus of South African government on emancipating and empowering women through legislation and the setting up of national women. The contributions of women would be undermined, if family-work conflicts such as identified here were not addressed.

Mediating Peace through Local Tradition of Cross-Religious Community in Saparua Island, Moluccas

“…The Moluccas Conflict, which included Saparua Island, caused damage to more than lives and property; it also disrupted a community living arrangement that had been in place for hundreds of years (Saimima et al, 2020). Disruptions occurred in the local tradition's values and patterns of civility and manners (Forts, 2004;Akunnusi et al, 2018). The power of communal living was weakened due to the struggle over the importance of regional customs.…”

“…Belief in the equal value of all cultural practices breeds optimism and the will to coexist peacefully (Tanamal, 2002;Matakena et al, 2020;Saimima et al, 2020). Unfortunately, their local traditions and values were destroyed in the conflict (Akunnusi et al, 2018). Still, the conflict also gave the people renewed energy to work toward preserving their way of life and their sense of community.…”