Navigating Dual Roles: A Phenomenological Study of Muzaffarabad’s Female Bankers in Joint-Family

Abstract

This phenomenological study meticulously explored the lived experiences of female bankers navigating the complexities of dual professional and domestic roles within traditional joint-family systems in Muzaffarabad. With an increasing number of women entering the workforce, particularly in demanding 9-to-5 banking careers, comprehending their unique challenges and adaptive strategies for balancing career aspirations with extensive household and familial responsibilities is paramount. Employing a rigorous qualitative research design and guided by Giorgi's (2009) descriptive phenomenological approach, the study purposively sampled 15 female bankers who were residents of joint-family households. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit rich, nuanced narratives concerning their daily routines, the multifaceted pressures stemming from both office demands and traditional family expectations, their personal coping mechanisms, and the profound impact on their overall well-being and work-life integration. The emergent findings aimed to illuminate the intricate realities of these women's lives, revealing shared thematic experiences and diverse individual approaches to managing their demanding dual roles. This research significantly contributes to a deeper, context-specific understanding of the challenges encountered by working women in traditional societal frameworks, thereby offering valuable insights for the development of tailored support systems and informed policy initiatives.