• A Mixed Method Study: Familial Obligation and Female Labour Market Participation

Prior literature suggests that women's labour market participation is significantly influenced by an unequal distribution of familial obligation due to gendered perspectives that place family care as a female prerogative (Mussida & Patima, 2020). In the United Kingdom, labour-market participation (LMP) has increased significantly, yet women continue to take on 60% more unpaid work within the family (Neitzert, 2020), creating a “double burden” for British women as they juggle between the two. This study utilises a mixed-methods approach to explore the impact of familial obligation (defined by marital status and presence of dependent children) on female LMP in the UK. Four qualitative semi-structured interviews with prime working age women were conducted to uncover the key factors influencing their labour market participation decisions. Quantitative bivariate and multivariate regression analysis using data from the UK Longitudinal Household Survey (UKLHS) was conducted to explore the average weekly hours worked between women of differing levels of familial obligation. The qualitative findings illustrate that identity formulation, financial realities caused by cumulative (dis)advantages, and workplace struggles are key factors influencing women's LMP. Meanwhile, the quantitative analysis finds that women with higher levels of familial obligation have lower levels of LMP. The results suggest that women compromise career aspirations in order to balance familial obligations. Resultantly, this study calls for more family-friendly policies such as flexible working and highlights the role of early education in changing gender norms, de- conflicting family and work and enabling women to pursue both.