INFLUENCE OF PAID EMPLOYMENT AND MOTHERHOOD ON FAMILY LIFE ACTIVETIES IN ENUGU URBAN AREA, ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined the influence of paid employment and motherhood on family life activities in Enugu Urban Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study is a cross-sectional survey. Three research questions guided the study. Role strain theory was adopted as the theoretical framework of the study. The sample size of 994 was statistically determined using the Cochran formula. The target population for study is 2,321 within the age of 18-60 years which consisted of all working mothers in the four (4) occupational groups: teachers, nurses, bankers and police. Nine hundred and ninety four (994) respondents from the four occupational groups 9teachers, nurses, bankers and police) were randomly selected in, proportion to the total number of female workers from Enugu Uran in Enugu State, Nigeria for the study. Questionnaire is the major instrument used for data collection and was self-administered. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics like percentages, frequency tables. The hypotheses were tested using chi-square (x²) statistical influence. The finding of the study show that more women are now engaged in paid employment due to economic crisis. The study equally reveled that most women are engaged in paid employment do not have enough rest but are deeply involved in family decision making. Finally majority of the respondents had moderate satisfaction of family life. Based on the finding, it is recommended and special respect should be accorded them since their role in the work places and family life activities cannot be over emphasized.