Balancing Roles and Responsibilities: A Study on Challenges and Strategies of Female English Teachers

Balancing Roles and Responsibilities: A Study on Challenges and Strategies of Female English Teachers

Authors

  • Ayu Linda Oktavia Nurul Jadid University
  • Durratul Hikmah Nurul Jadid University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31004/joecy.v5i2.2837

Keywords:

Female English Teacher, Dual Role, Challanges, Coping Strategies

Abstract

This study explores the challenges and strategies of female English teachers in East Java, Indonesia, in balancing professional and personal roles within a patriarchal cultural context. Using a phenomenological approach, the research identifies five main challenges: time management difficulties, domestic and family role challenges, psychological burdens, gender-related social pressure, and environmental issues. To address these, teachers employ coping strategies within Lazarus and Folkman’s framework, including problem-focused coping (time management, prioritization, seeking support) and emotion-focused coping (emotional support, mindfulness, relaxation, and positive reframing). Findings highlight female teachers’ resilience and proactive efforts in navigating dual roles. The study offers insights for educators, institutions, and policymakers to create more supportive, gender-sensitive environments.

References

A. Prayogo, J. (2022). English Language Teaching in Indonesia in the 21st Century: What Needs Reinforcing and Enhancing for the Teachers. KnE Social Sciences, 2022, 12–22. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v7i7.10645

Achieng, S. A. (2023). Exploring Effective Teaching Approaches for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Instructors: Best Practices and Future Directions. International Journal on Studies in Education, 5(4), 515–529. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijonse.170

Agustin, M., & Diana Rahmasari. (2023). Burnout Pada Ibu Peran Ganda. Character: Jurnal Penelitian Psikologi, 10(2), 917–936.

Ali, S. E. (2024). “Academic Resonance: Women’s Work-Life Harmony.” African Journal of Biological Sciences, 6(5), 3123–3137. https://doi.org/10.48047/afjbs.6.5.2024.3123-3137

Asri, H. N., & Hendriani, W. (2024). Mengapa ibu bekerja mengalami stres pengasuhan? literatur review pada ibu bekerja di Asia. Jurnal Psikologi Tabularasa, 19(1), 73–87. https://doi.org/10.26905/jpt.v19i1.10986

Azizah, N. (2023). Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies Gender Equality Challenges and Raising Awareness in the Patriarchal Cultural in Indonesia. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies, (1), 47–52. https://doi.org/10.32996/jhsss

Azzahra, N. R., & Nurkamto, J. (2024). How Do EFL Teachers Navigate Problem-Based Learning in Indonesian Classrooms? Voices of English Language Education Society, 8(3), 727–738. https://doi.org/10.29408/veles.v8i3.27956

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. Sage Publications.

Dodanwala, T. C., & Shrestha, P. (2021). Work–family conflict and job satisfaction among construction professionals: The mediating role of emotional exhaustion. On the Horizon: The International Journal of Learning Futures, 29(2), 62–75. https://doi.org/10.1108/OTH-11-2020-0042

Edwards, A. K., & Oteng, R. (2019). Work-life balance among teachers in Ghana. International Journal of Education Policy & Leadership, 15(7), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.22230/ijepl.2019v15n7a851

Febrianto, P. T., Megasari, L. A., & Mas’udah, S. (2022). FEMALE TEACHERS’ DOUBLE BURDEN DURING THE PANDEMIC Overcoming challenges and dilemma between career and family. Sociologia, Problemas e Praticas, 2019(100), 87–105. https://doi.org/10.7458/SPP202210025246

Khadka, K. K. (2020). Balancing Professional Life and Motherhood: Lived Experiences of Female English Language Teachers in Nepal. Rupantaran: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 4(1), 100–111. https://doi.org/10.3126/rupantaran.v4i1.34195

Khorakian, A., Hashemian, S. M., Eslami, G., & Adibzadeh, M. (2024). How Role Overload Affects Female Teachers Work-Life Balance Crafting Behaviors: A Coexistence Collective Moderation Model. International Journal of Management in Education, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1504/ijmie.2024.10060228

Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, Appraisal, and Coping. Springer Publishing Company.

Lin, Z. (2024). The Current State of Role Conflict Among Rural Teachers: Causes, Impacts, and Coping Strategies. New Explorations in Education and Teaching, 2(3), 88–91. https://doi.org/10.18686/neet.v2i3.4171

Logeswari, B., Sathyapriya, J., Vijayalakshmi, P. ., & Sudha, S. (2022). Study To Analyse the Major Challenges and Strategies To Overcome Work Life Imbalance Among Women Academicians With Special Reference To Kumbakonam District. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(March), 2904–2913. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6ns1.5288

Mehmood, S. (2024). Challenges For Female Teachers At Secondary Level And Its Impact On Students. Kurdish Studies, 4883(May), 573–578. https://doi.org/10.53555/ks.v12i5.3272

Penesumbu, D., & Taipale, L. (2024). A TEACHER AND A MOTHER: EXPERIENCES OF THE TWO ROLES BY ENGLISH TEACHERS IN FINLAND.

Rivera, K. (2024). CHALLENGES AND ADJUSTMENTS OF HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER- MOTHERS MANAGING YOUNG CHILDREN WHILE WORKING FROM HOME, 4, 103–118.

Sellahewa, W. N., & Arachchi, R. S. S. W. (2023). Exploring the Challenges for Work-Life Balance among Married Female Nurses. Kelaniya Journal of Human Resource Management, 18(2), 36–52. https://doi.org/10.4038/kjhrm.v18i2.128

Susilowati, N. E., Fratiwi, N. J., & Barus, C. S. A. (2024). WOMEN : EDUCATION & SOCIAL WELFARE Balancing Act : Navigating Work and Life - A Compelling Bibliographic Exploration Among, 1(1), 1–11.

Tümen Akyıldız, S., & Şahin, F. (2024). Voices From the Classroom: Integrating 21St Century Skills in Turkish Private School Efl Education – a Qualitative Perspective. International Journal of Current Approaches in Language, Education and Social Sciences, 6(2), 178–210. https://doi.org/10.35452/caless.1523283

Uddin, M. (2021). Addressing work-life balance challenges of working women during COVID-19 in Bangladesh. International Social Science Journal, 71(239–240), 7–20. https://doi.org/10.1111/issj.12267

Zaitun Qamariah. (2024). Analisis Dinamika Kesetaraan Gender dalam Pengajaran Bahasa Inggris. JISPENDIORA Jurnal Ilmu Sosial Pendidikan Dan Humaniora, 3(1), 202–220. https://doi.org/10.56910/jispendiora.v3i1.1373

Downloads

Published

10-08-2025

How to Cite

Oktavia, A. L. ., & Hikmah , D. . (2025). Balancing Roles and Responsibilities: A Study on Challenges and Strategies of Female English Teachers: Balancing Roles and Responsibilities: A Study on Challenges and Strategies of Female English Teachers. Journal of Innovative and Creativity, 5(2), 18620–18627. https://doi.org/10.31004/joecy.v5i2.2837

Issue

Section

Articles