Analysis of dual roles: work-life balance experiences of female professors and mothers in California
Abstract
The study aims to discover and understand the work-life balance experience of mothers who are also professors working in higher education institutions in California. The research reveals the unique challenges, needs, and motivations to manage work and family responsibilities. The literature review indicates that mother professors encounter conflicts of roles and responsibilities from academic work and domestic duties. Moreover, mother professors experience persistent gender disparity and systemic barriers as an underrepresented group in academia, hindering their personal and professional advancements. This qualitative study utilizes quantitative ethnography (QE), an incorporated research methodology to examine mother professors’ work-life balance experience. Additionally, the study applies epistemic network analysis (ENA) as an analysis tool to visualize the patterns and relationships among the codes. The study provides comprehensive perspectives for educational stakeholders to seek best practices to support a more balanced and healthy work-life environment for women professors and mothers.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Women college teachers—California; Work-life balance—Women—California; Work and family—Women—California; Mothers—Employment—California
Date of Award
2025
School Affiliation
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Department/Program
Education
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Latrissa Neiworth
Recommended Citation
Liang, Lu, "Analysis of dual roles: work-life balance experiences of female professors and mothers in California" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1600.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1600