Work Life Balance (Myth or Fact) Black Female Academics

Abstract

Work-Life balance is a priority at many institutions of higher learning everywhere but especially for Black female academics from South Africa. Employers acknowledge the value employees who can straddle work and non-work domains but is it balance or integration and supportive workplaces that is required. This article authored by a male social worker seeks to explore the experiences of Black female academics at a university in Gauteng, regarding their work-life balance using the intersectionality framework. This qualitative exploratory case study included ten respondents, who were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the necessary data. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the collected data. The study revealed the following main findings: Firstly, Black female academics are confronted by both personal and professional challenges that hinder them from achieving a work-life balance. Identified personal challenges included family responsibilities, patriarchal and cultural practices. While work overload, lack of recognition and lack of respect by male senior colleagues were identified as work-related challenges.