WORK–FAMILY CONFLICT AND JOB BURNOUT AMONG WORKING WOMEN: THE MODERATING ROLE OF CULTURAL GENDER ROLE ATTITUDES IN URBAN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Work–family conflict (WFC) poses significant challenges for working women, particularly in urban Pakistan, where traditional gender norms persist alongside increasing workforce participation. This study examined the impact of WFC on job burnout and investigated the moderating role of cultural gender role attitudes. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 300 working women across education, healthcare, banking, and corporate sectors. Constructs were measured via validated scales, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a culturally adapted gender role attitude scale. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed that both work-to-family and family-to-work conflict significantly predicted job burnout. Furthermore, cultural gender role attitudes moderated this relationship, with traditional attitudes amplifying burnout and egalitarian attitudes attenuating it. The findings underscore the importance of addressing both organizational role demands and socio-cultural expectations to support women’s occupational well-being. Implications for policy, organizational practices, and future research are discussed.