Challenges Faced by Working Mothers: A Research

Proposal
Table of Contents
Content Page
1. Introduction 3
• 1.1Introduction and Background of the Study 3
• 1.2 Broader Problem Area and the Specific Problem to be Investigated 4
• 1.3 Research Questions and Objectives………………………….……. 4
• 1.4 Significance of the Study………………………….………………… 4
• 1.5 Alignment with KSA Vision 2030 of Women Empowerment 5
2. Literature Review 5
• 2.1 Parent Theory or Theoretical Foundation………………………….. 5
• 2.2 Historical Background of Variables……………………….………… 6
o 2.2.1 Dependent Variable (Challenges Faced by Working Mothers) 6
o 2.2.2 Independent Variable (Work-Life Balance) ……………………… 7
o 2.2.3 Moderating Variable (Social Support) ……………………….….. 7
o 2.2.4 Mediating Variable (Coping Strategies) ……………………….… 8
• 2.3 Critical Review on the Association between Variables……………… 8
• 2.4 Hypothesis Development………………………….……………… 9
3. Methodology 9
• 3.1 Population and Justification for Selecting the Dependent Variable 9
o 3.1.1 Target Population……………………………..…………………… 10
o 3.1.2 Dependent Variable: Challenges Faced by Working Mothers 10
o 3.1.3 Justification for Selecting the Dependent Variable……………… 11
• 3.2 Sampling Technique and Sample Size Justification………………… 11
• 3.3 Instrumentation and Scales………………………….………………… 12
o 3.3.1 Dependent Variable Measures………………………….………… 12
o 3.3.2 Independent Variable Measures………………………….……… 13
o 3.3.3 Moderating Variable Measures………………………….………… 13
o 3.3.4 Mediating Variable Measures………………………….………… 14
• 3.4 Data Collection and Analysis Procedures………………….………… 14
o 3.4.1 Data Collection ………………………….……………………… 15
o 3.4.2 Data Analysis………………………….…………………………. 15
• 3.5 Ethical Considerations………………………………………………… 16
References 16
 1. Introduction

1.1 Introduction and Background of the Study

The empowerment of women is a critical and multifaceted global issue that has gained
significant research attention in recent years. In Saudi Arabia, recognizing the importance of
women's empowerment has led to a growing number of initiatives promoting their participation
in various sectors, including the workforce. Despite these efforts, challenges persist for
working mothers in Saudi Arabia, hindering their full potential and overall well-being.

1.2 Broader Problem Area and the Specific Problem to be Investigated

This research proposal focuses on the broader problem area of women's empowerment,
specifically investigating the challenges faced by working mothers in Saudi Arabia. These
challenges are intertwined with various sociocultural and economic factors, including the
following:

• Traditional gender roles

Found that traditional gender roles are a significant challenge for working
mothers in Saudi Arabia. They often face pressure from family and society to
prioritize their domestic responsibilities over their professional careers. This can
lead to feelings of guilt and stress, as well as conflict with their spouses and
children. (Al-Anazi,2022)

• Limited access to affordable childcare

Also found that limited access to affordable childcare is a major challenge
for working mothers in Saudi Arabia. The cost of childcare can be prohibitive for
many families, and the availability of childcare is limited, especially in rural areas.
This can make it difficult for working mothers to find reliable care for their
children, which can impact their work-life balance and overall well-being. (Al-
Anazi,2022)

• Wage inequality
 Found that wage inequality is another challenge for working mothers in
Saudi Arabia. Women are often paid less than men for the same work, which can
make it difficult for them to support their families financially. This can lead to
financial stress and insecurity, which can impact their overall well-being. (Al-
Anazi,2022)

• Lack of supportive policies and workplace flexibility

Found that lack of supportive policies and workplace flexibility is a final
challenge for working mothers in Saudi Arabia. Inadequate maternity leave
policies, limited childcare options within workplaces, and inflexible working
arrangements can make it difficult for working mothers to balance their work and
family responsibilities. This can lead to burnout, stress, and health problems. (Al-
Anazi,2022)

1.3 Research Questions and Objectives

Guided by the identified problem and its significance, this study seeks to answer the
following research questions:

• RQ1: What are the specific challenges faced by working mothers in Saudi
Arabia?
The study will examine the challenges faced by working mothers in Saudi
Arabia, including traditional gender roles, limited access to affordable childcare,
wage inequality, and lack of supportive policies and workplace flexibility.

• RQ2: How do these challenges impact their work-life balance and overall well-
being?
The study will explore the impact of these challenges on the work-life
balance and overall well-being of working mothers.

•
RQ3: What are the implications of these challenges for women's empowerment
in Saudi Arabia?
The study will assess the implications of these challenges for women's
empowerment in Saudi Arabia.

1.4 Significance of the Study

 This study holds significant value for various stakeholders, including policymakers,
employers, and working mothers themselves. The findings will contribute to:

•
Developing informed policies and initiatives that support working mothers
and promote work-life balance.
The study's findings can be used to inform the development of policies and
initiatives that support working mothers and promote work-life balance. For
example, the study could inform the development of more generous maternity
leave policies, affordable childcare options, and flexible work arrangements.

•Encouraging employers to adopt flexible work arrangements and childcare

solutions that cater to the needs of working mothers.
The study's findings can also be used to encourage employers to adopt
flexible work arrangements and childcare solutions that cater to the needs of
working mothers. For example, the study could inform employers about the
benefits of offering flexible work arrangements, such as increased productivity
and employee satisfaction.

•
Empowering working mothers by providing them with the necessary
resources, support, and understanding.
The study's findings can also be used to empower working mothers by
providing them with the necessary resources, support, and understanding. For
example, the study could inform the development of programs and services that
provide support and resources to working mothers, such as parenting classes and
childcare assistance.

•
Contributing valuable data and insights to the ongoing discourse on
women's empowerment in Saudi Arabia.
The study's findings can contribute valuable data and insights to the
ongoing discourse on women's empowerment in Saudi Arabia.

1.5 Alignment with KSA Vision 2030 of Women Empowerment

Vision 2030 is a comprehensive national development plan established by the

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in 2016. This ambitious plan aims to transform the Kingdom
into a prosperous and inclusive society by 2030. One of its key objectives is to empower
women and increase their participation in various sectors, including the workforce.

This research proposal investigating the challenges faced by working mothers in Saudi
Arabia directly aligns with the goals outlined in Vision 2030. By addressing these challenges,
the study can contribute to achieving Vision 2030's objectives in the following ways:

1. Promoting Greater Female Labor Force Participation:

One of the key targets of Vision 2030 is to increase the female labor force participation
rate to 30% by 2030 (Saudi Vision 2030, 2016). This research aims to identify the specific
challenges that hinder working mothers' participation in the workforce. By providing insights
into these challenges, policymakers can develop informed policies and initiatives that address
them. This could include providing affordable childcare options, flexible work arrangements,
and parental leave policies that support both mothers and fathers (Al-Anazi, 2022).

2. Creating an Enabling Environment for Women to Thrive in their Professional

Lives:

Vision 2030 emphasizes creating a conducive environment for women to succeed in

their professional pursuits. This research aims to identify the workplace factors that contribute
to the challenges faced by working mothers. By understanding these factors, employers can
implement changes to their workplaces to create a more supportive environment for working
mothers. This could include providing mentorship programs, offering professional
development opportunities, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect (Al-Olayan & Al-
Sharif, 2021).

3. Empowering Women to Contribute Meaningfully to the Nation's Economic and

Social Development:

Vision 2030 recognizes the critical role that women play in the nation's economic and
social development. This research aims to empower working mothers by providing them with
the necessary resources, support, and understanding. By addressing the challenges they face,
working mothers can be more productive and contribute more meaningfully to the workforce.
This can lead to increased economic growth and a more vibrant and inclusive society (Al-
Shaya, 2020).

Additionally, the findings of this research can contribute to the following

objectives outlined in Vision 2030:
 • Enhancing the quality of life for all citizens: By addressing the challenges
faced by working mothers, the study can contribute to improving the well-being of
families and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.
• Promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship: By empowering
women and increasing their participation in the workforce, the study can contribute to
fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia.
• Strengthening the Kingdom's global competitiveness: By improving the
female labor force participation rate and creating a more inclusive society, the study can
contribute to strengthening the Kingdom's global competitiveness.

This research proposal's alignment with KSA Vision 2030 highlights its potential to
contribute to significant positive changes in Saudi Arabia. By addressing the challenges faced
by working mothers, the study can pave the way for a more empowered and inclusive society,
where women can reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the nation's
development.

2. Literature Review

2.1 Parent Theory or Theoretical Foundation

This study draws its theoretical foundation from role strain theory, which proposes
that individuals occupying multiple societal roles may experience conflict between those roles
(Goode, 1960). This is particularly relevant for working mothers, who often face competing
demands from work and family responsibilities, leading to potential role strain (Voydanoff,
2010).

2.2 Historical Background of Variables

2.2.1 Dependent Variable (Challenges Faced by Working Mothers)

The study's dependent variable is the challenges faced by working mothers. These
challenges can be categorized into four primary areas:

•Traditional gender roles: Societal expectations and norms often confine

women to domestic roles, creating conflict with their professional aspirations (Al-Anazi,
2022; Al-Olayan & Al-Sharif, 2021).
 • Limited access to affordable childcare: The lack of readily available and
affordable childcare options poses a significant barrier for working mothers, restricting
their ability to maintain employment (Al-Anazi, 2022; Al-Olayan & Al-Sharif, 2021).
• Wage inequality: Gender-based wage disparities contribute to financial strain
and limit economic independence for working mothers (Al-Shaya, 2020; Al-Turki,
2019).
• Lack of supportive policies and workplace flexibility: Inadequate maternity
leave policies, limited childcare options within workplaces, and inflexible working
arrangements further disadvantage working mothers (Al-Anazi, 2022; Al-Olayan & Al-
Sharif, 2021).

2.2.2 Independent Variable (Work-Life Balance)

The study's independent variable is work-life balance. This refers to a state of

equilibrium between work and personal life, often measured by the degree to which individuals
feel they can effectively manage both (Greenhaus & Powell, 2006).

2.2.3 Moderating Variable (Social Support)

The study considers social support as a moderating variable. This refers to the
emotional and practical support individuals receive from their social network, including
family, friends, colleagues, and other community members (Cohen & Wills, 1985).

2.2.4 Mediating Variable (Coping Strategies)

The study investigates the role of coping strategies as a mediating variable. These
strategies refer to the ways individuals deal with stress and adversity, categorized as problem-
focused (attempting to change the situation) or emotion-focused (managing the emotional
response) (Folkman & Lazarus, 1988).

2.3 Critical Review on the Association between Variables

Extant literature suggests a positive association between the challenges faced by

working mothers and work-life imbalance (Carlson et al., 2013; Hammer et al., 2009).
Challenges such as traditional gender roles, limited childcare access, wage disparities, and lack
of workplace support can significantly hinder their ability to achieve balance in their work and
family lives, leading to stress and potential burnout (Moen et al., 2008).
 Literature also suggests that social support can moderate the association between
challenges faced by working mothers and work-life imbalance (Eby et al., 2005; Thoits, 2011).
By providing emotional and practical support, social networks can help working mothers cope
with the challenges they face, enabling them to better manage their work-life balance and
maintain well-being (Pearlin et al., 1990).

Furthermore, coping strategies are proposed to mediate the association between

challenges faced by working mothers and work-life imbalance (Holahan & Moos, 1985;
Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). Effective coping strategies can help working mothers manage the
emotional responses to challenges, reducing stress and enabling them to achieve a greater sense
of control and balance in their lives (Carver & Connor-Smith, 2010).

2.4 Hypothesis Development

Based on the reviewed literature, the following hypotheses are proposed for this study:

H1: Challenges faced by working mothers will be positively associated with work-life
imbalance.

H2: Social support will moderate the association between challenges faced by working
mothers and work-life imbalance.

H3: Coping strategies will mediate the association between challenges faced by
working mothers and work-life imbalance.

These hypotheses will be tested using a quantitative research design, employing a

survey to collect data from working mothers in Saudi Arabia. The survey will measure
challenges faced by working mothers, work-life balance, social support, and coping strategies.

3. Methodology

3.1 Population and Justification for Selecting the Dependent Variable

3.1.1 Target Population

The target population for this research study is working mothers residing in Saudi Arabia.
This population was chosen due to the increasing number of women entering the workforce in
Saudi Arabia and the potential challenges they face in achieving work-life balance within the
context of the country's cultural and social norms. Additionally, the research aims to contribute
to the growing body of knowledge regarding work-life balance for working mothers in the
Middle Eastern region, which is currently understudied.

3.1.2 Dependent Variable: Challenges Faced by Working Mothers

The dependent variable for this research is challenges faced by working mothers. This
variable encompasses a range of negative experiences and difficulties that arise from juggling
work and family responsibilities. It will be measured using a multi-dimensional approach,
incorporating self-reported questionnaires and interviews to capture various aspects of these
challenges, including:

• Work-life conflict: The extent to which work demands interfere with family
responsibilities and vice versa.

• Stress and burnout: Levels of stress and emotional exhaustion experienced due to work-
family demands.

• Mental health: Indicators of depression, anxiety, and general well-being.

• Time scarcity: Perceived lack of time to adequately meet work and family obligations.

• Role conflict and overload: Difficulty fulfilling multiple roles (mother, employee,
spouse, etc.) without experiencing strain.

Choosing challenges faced by working mothers as the dependent variable allows for a
comprehensive understanding of the negative impacts that work-life imbalance can have on
mothers' lives. This focus aligns with the research objectives of identifying key challenges and
developing solutions to improve work-life balance for working mothers in Saudi Arabia.

3.1.3 Justification for Selecting the Dependent Variable

The selection of challenges faced by working mothers as the dependent variable is justified
for several reasons:

• Relevance to the research topic: This variable directly addresses the research topic of
work-life balance and its impact on working mothers.

• Measurability: The challenges faced by working mothers can be measured through

various reliable and valid instruments, including self-reported questionnaires, interviews,
and standardized scales.
 • Impactful: Understanding the challenges faced by working mothers allows for the
identification of supportive interventions and policy changes to improve their well-being
and work-life experience.

• Generalizability: The findings of this research can be applicable to working mothers in

diverse contexts, extending beyond the specific population of Saudi Arabia.

By focusing on challenges faced by working mothers, this research aims to provide valuable
insights into the complex realities of mothers navigating work and family demands and
contribute to a more supportive environment for them to thrive.

3.3 Instrumentation and Scales

This section details the instruments and scales used to measure the key variables in the
research:

3.3.1 Dependent Variable Measures: Challenges Faced by Working Mothers

• Work-Family Conflict Scale (WFC): This 15-item questionnaire assesses the extent to
which work demands interfere with family responsibilities and vice versa (Netemeyer et
al., 1996). Participants rate their agreement with statements like "My job makes it
difficult to fulfill my family responsibilities" on a Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly
disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

• Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10): This 10-item questionnaire measures the degree to
which individuals perceive their life situations as stressful (Cohen et al., 1983).
Participants rate how often they have experienced feelings like "I feel tense and nervous"
over the past month on a similar Likert scale.

• Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II): This 21-item self-report inventory assesses the
severity of depressive symptoms (Beck et al., 1996). Participants answer questions about
their mood, sleep patterns, and cognitive function, with higher scores indicating greater
depression severity.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7): This 7-item questionnaire screens for
the presence and severity of generalized anxiety disorder (Spitzer et al., 2006).
Participants rate the frequency of experiencing specific anxiety symptoms like "feeling
nervous or anxious" over the past two weeks on a Likert scale.

• Time Scarcity Questionnaire: This instrument measures individuals' perceptions of

time pressure and lack of time to fulfill their obligations (Harpaz & Fu, 2015).
 Participants answer questions about their time management strategies and feelings of
time urgency on a Likert scale.

• Role Conflict and Overload Scale: This scale assesses the difficulty individuals
experience in managing multiple roles and the associated stress and overload (Rizzo et
al., 2002). Participants rate their agreement with statements like "I often feel
overwhelmed by the demands of my various roles" on a Likert scale.

3.3.2 Independent Variable Measures: Work-Life Balance

• Work hours: This is measured by asking participants to report their average number of
working hours per week.

• Work flexibility: This is assessed through a questionnaire item that asks participants to
rate the flexibility they have in their work schedules on a Likert scale.

• Control over work schedule: This is measured by asking participants to rate the extent
to which they have control over their work hours and tasks on a Likert scale.

• Family demands questionnaire: This instrument assesses the time and effort required
for childcare, household chores, and eldercare (Noh & Avis, 2008). Participants estimate
the average time spent on these activities per week.

3.3.3 Moderating Variable Measures: Social Support

• Social Support Questionnaire: This instrument measures the perceived availability and
adequacy of social support from family, friends, and colleagues (Sarason et al., 1987).
Participants rate their agreement with statements like "I have people I can turn to for
support" on a Likert scale.

• Access to childcare and eldercare services: This is measured through a questionnaire

that asks participants about their access to and utilization of childcare and eldercare
services, including affordability and availability.

• Employer support programs: This is assessed by asking participants about the

availability and utilization of employer-provided support programs related to work-life
balance, such as flexible work arrangements and childcare subsidies.

3.3.4 Mediating Variable Measures: Coping Strategies

• Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI): This instrument assesses individuals' use of various
coping strategies, including problem-focused and emotion-focused coping (Folkman &
 Lazarus, 1988). Participants rate the frequency with which they use specific coping
strategies in response to stressful situations.

• Brief COPE: This questionnaire measures 14 different coping strategies, including

active coping, planning, and seeking social support (Carver, 1997). Participants rate the
extent to which they use each coping strategy in response to stressful situations on a
Likert scale.

These instruments and scales are chosen based on their established validity, reliability, and
relevance to the specific research context. They will be administered to participants in a self-
report format to collect quantitative data on the variables of interest. By using standardized
measures, the research ensures consistent and reliable data collection and facilitates
comparison with other studies in the field.

3.4 Data Collection and Analysis Procedures

3.4.1 Data Collection

Data will be collected through a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and
qualitative methods. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the complex
relationships between variables and provides rich insights into the lived experiences of
working mothers.

Quantitative data will be collected through online surveys using Google Forms. The survey
will include validated instruments and scales measuring the key variables (see section 3.3).
The survey link will be distributed through social media groups and online forums frequented
by working mothers in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, snowball sampling will be employed,
where participants recruit other eligible individuals to participate in the survey.

Qualitative data will be collected through individual semi-structured interviews with a subset
of participants who completed the survey. The interviews will explore participants' experiences
of work-life balance, challenges they face, and coping strategies they employ. Interviews will
be audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis.

3.4.2 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software such as SPSS. Descriptive
statistics will be used to summarize the data, and inferential statistics, including t-tests and
analysis of variance (ANOVA), will be used to test the research hypotheses.

Data Analysis Method: Thematic Analysis

Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis, a qualitative data analysis method that involves
identifying recurring themes and patterns within text. The following steps will be followed:

1. Data familiarization: The researcher will read and re-read the interview transcripts to
become familiar with the data.

2. Coding: The researcher will code the data by identifying key words, phrases, and
sentences that relate to the research questions and objectives.

3. Theme development: Codes will be grouped into broader categories and themes based
on their commonalities and relationships.

4. Theme refinement: Themes will be further refined and defined through the process of
analysis.

5. Interpretation: The themes will be interpreted in relation to the research questions and
existing literature.

This process will be conducted in an iterative manner, with the researcher constantly moving
between the data, codes, and themes to ensure a comprehensive and accurate analysis.

3.5 Ethical Considerations

The research will be conducted adhering to ethical principles and guidelines for research
involving human participants. These include:

• Informed consent: Participants will be provided with detailed information about the
research objectives, data collection procedures, and potential risks and benefits before
their participation. They will be given the opportunity to ask questions and withdraw
from the study at any time.

• Confidentiality: All participant data will be kept confidential and anonymous.

Participants will be assigned unique codes to ensure anonymity in the research reports.

• Data security: Electronic data will be stored on password-protected devices and access
will be restricted to authorized researchers.

• Voluntary participation: Participation in the research is entirely voluntary and

participants have the right to withdraw without any consequences.

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