| dc.description.abstract | The study explored Ghanaian immigrant mothers’ experience with work-life and care responsibilities in Norway. The following research questions were investigated: What are the perceptions of work-family balance among immigrant mothers in Norway? How does their cultural context influence their perceptions? How do immigrant mothers perceive welfare institutions that work with immigrant families in Norway? How do these perceptions affect how they maintain a work-life balance in Norway and influence their decisions to access welfare resources and services? The research questions were investigated by employing the qualitative research method and phenomenology as the design. Convenience sampling was used to access six participants. The data, which were thematically analyzed, were obtained through in-depth interviews.
The study revealed role conflict, time constraints, everyday routine, intensive mothering, and the impact of role conflict on self-care as factors that influenced work-life balance. Support systems, mothering practices, a shift in gender roles, and state welfare provision are some themes generated under the socio-cultural context. The women’s resilience and coping strategies were characterized by conscientiousness and self-care and shared household tasks. While none of the women were in receipt of child welfare services, they held conflicting views about the Norwegian Child Welfare System. Based on the study findings appropriate recommendations are made. | |
