Concept of Role and Role Conflict

Role: A role refers to the set of behaviors, obligations, and norms associated with a particular social status or position. Individuals occupy multiple roles in their daily lives, such as professional roles (e.g., employee, manager) and personal roles (e.g., parent, spouse). These roles come with specific expectations and responsibilities that guide how individuals should act in different situations.

Role Conflict: Role conflict occurs when there are incompatible demands placed upon a person relating to their various social roles. This conflict can arise in different forms:

• Inter-role Conflict: When the expectations of one role interfere with the expectations of another role. For example, a working mother might face conflict between her job responsibilities and her duties at home.
• Intra-role Conflict: When there are contradictory expectations within the same role. For example, a manager might be expected to enforce strict company policies while also being supportive and empathetic to employees.

Nature and Extent of Role Conflict Among Working Women in India

Nature of Role Conflict:

• Dual Responsibilities: Working women in India often juggle professional responsibilities and traditional domestic roles, leading to significant inter-role conflict. This includes managing household chores, childcare, and eldercare while meeting job expectations.
• Cultural and Social Expectations: Cultural norms in India traditionally place the responsibility of domestic duties on women, regardless of their professional commitments. This societal expectation adds pressure and exacerbates role conflict.
• Workplace Challenges: Gender discrimination in the workplace, such as unequal pay, limited opportunities for promotion, and lack of support for work-life balance, contributes to the stress and conflict experienced by working women.

Extent of Role Conflict:

• Sectoral Differences: The extent of role conflict varies across different sectors. For instance, women in the Information Technology sector may face conflicts due to demanding work hours and high job stress. In contrast, women working in shopping malls or public transport may have different stressors but still face significant role conflicts due to irregular working hours and public dealing.
• Urban vs. Rural: Role conflict tends to be more pronounced in urban areas where women are more likely to be engaged in professional careers. However, rural women also face role conflict, often intensified by the lack of supportive infrastructure like childcare facilities.
• Impact of Economic Status: The economic status of women can influence the extent of role conflict. Higher economic status may afford some women the ability to hire domestic help, thus reducing domestic burdens. However, this does not eliminate role conflict entirely, especially concerning work expectations and career aspirations.

There is a need for a comprehensive approach to addressing role conflict, recognizing the interdependence between professional and personal lives, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for all women.