Date of Conferral
10-14-2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Human Services
Advisor
Dr. Gregory Hickman
Abstract
Black women face challenges with work-life balance, which can negatively influence their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore the lived workplace experiences of Black women in the Alabama Black Belt Region. The study was guided by Collin’s Black feminist thought theory and addressed the question of exploring the lived workplace experiences of Black women in the Black Belt Region of Alabama. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven purposefully sampled Black women living and working in the Alabama Black Belt region to explore their experiences with work-life balance and factors contributing to the work-life balance. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, and three themes were identified: the participants experienced racial and gender discrimination, as well as ageism, in their workplaces; participants generally achieved a good work-life balance, with the exception of one participant who was a discrepant case; and barriers to work-life balance included mental health, family responsibilities, and the ability to set boundaries with employers. Implications for positive social change include improving the work-life balance of Black women and positively impacting the physical, mental, and emotional health of Black women. Improving these facets of Black women’s lives also has implications for positively influencing Black families and communities.
Recommended Citation
Walters, Enjolique, "Black Women’s Lived Work Experiences and Work-Life Balance" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16474.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16474
