Realistic beginnings : young married couples in the juggling act to maintain a balance between work and home

Abstract

This research explores the living experience of young married couples in their ability to cope with their career and domicile role expectations, including dilemmas related to the prospect of child bearing. A qualitative approach was used to understand the meaning and experience of 3 dual-earning, young married couples, without children. The three couples were asked to recount their current experience of being a newly married couple and to identify the challenges, choices and outcomes associated with the combined responsibilities of work and family. Qualitative data was collected from the young couples, utilising in-depth, semi-structured interviews, by interviewing the husband and wife individually. The transition to a dual-income marriage is characterised by an adjustment to the multiple roles of importance, and creating a healthy balance among the various significant aspects of the matrimonial life. The young couples are looking forward to the prospect of becoming parents, but they are aware that a lot of adjustments need to take place before this event. Despite the interrelated conflicts and constraint, this phase in marriage is a relatively delightful experience.