This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
Published on May 16, 2020, a time when the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, an article highlighted the age-old issue of work-life conflict.
Contrary to the notion that this conflict is a product of industrialization, it has been a part of humanity since time immemorial. In fact, every mother knows that work-life conflict can occur even in the absence of a traditional workplace.
As soon as a mother brings a baby into the world, she faces the challenge of balancing her responsibilities. Whether it's taking care of a crying baby while warming up bath water or handing over the baby to someone else to use the washroom, work-life conflict is a reality that many mothers face.
However, this conflict is not exclusive to women. According to the Center for American Progress, 90 percent of working mothers and 95 percent of working fathers report work-family conflict. This statistic highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of work-life conflict, one that acknowledges its universality and not just its association with women.
By recognizing that work-life conflict is not a gender-specific issue, women can feel less guilty when seeking time away to restore balance in their lives. This, in turn, can lead to a more harmonious coexistence of work and family responsibilities.
