Why Iranian Women Experience Work-Family Conflict?

Background: Despite the global importance of work-family issues and the many calls for studies within distinct cultural contexts; work-family research has mainly been conducted in Anglo societies, and Western countries. Objective: The present study was designed to explore the factors which determine the work-family conflict through personal information, including, but not limited to the lived experiences and perspectives of Iranian women who are both employed and married. Methods: A qualitative approach was chosen, which would allow for an in-depth and rich exploration of the experiences, perceptions, and feelings of participants. Data were obtained from 29 participants, in-depth individual interviews with 17 participants and two focus groups. Each focus group discussion included 6 participants. Results: Six main categories emerged from the data analysis: the value of work and family, hegemonic masculinity, non-supportive environment, job stress, overloading family, and inadequacy of individual ability and skills. Conclusion: Based on the data obtained from participants, sociocultural factors play an important role in the creation of work-family conflict.