Work–Life Balance and Gender Equity among Dual-Earner Couples: A Sociological Analysis of Role Conflict, Domestic Labour Distribution, and Professional Identity in Urban India
Keywords:
Work–life balance, dual-earner couples,, gender equity, role conflict, domestic labour division, professional identity, urban India.Abstract
This study investigates work–life balance and gender equity among dual-earner couples in urban India, with a specific focus on role conflict, domestic labour distribution, and professional identity. Using data collected from 450 respondents across major metropolitan cities, the research examines how dual-income households negotiate competing demands of work and family under conditions of rapid urbanization and persistent gender norms. The findings reveal that women experience significantly higher levels of work-to-family and family-to-work conflict due to the disproportionate burden of household and caregiving responsibilities. Men demonstrate stronger professional identity and work centrality, whereas women report emotional exhaustion and reduced career advancement focus. Domestic labour inequality is shown to be a major predictor of role conflict and diminished work–life balance, while supportive workplace environments moderately alleviate stress. Regression results indicate that role conflict and unequal household responsibilities exert the strongest negative influence on work–life balance, whereas gender equity perceptions and professional identity have positive effects. The study argues that meaningful improvements in work–life balance require not only organizational support but also structural transformations in household gender dynamics and societal expectations.
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