A survey investigation of the quality of work and life of China's senior female intellectuals
Zhu, L.; Sun, J.
Chinese Journal of Population Science 7(4): 363-369
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 1044-8403 PMID: 12291089 Document Number: 297816
This article describes the results of a survey of 122 senior female intellectuals from key national universities. Analyses are conducted on value orientation of work and family life, degree of job satisfaction, mental and physical health, and working conditions, family life, and leisure activities. Findings suggest that these women had high spiritual needs, high job satisfaction, but low levels of material life. The domestic burden at home and the high profile employment create a tremendous burden on these women. 89.3% held a sub-senior title in a special area, and 10.7% had senior titles. 59% were aged 51-60 years, and 35.6% were aged 41-50 years. Most lived in nuclear families. 95% of children received a high education or were enrolled in higher education. 90% of husbands were in teaching or research. 49.6% reported greater satisfaction in career success, and 41.7% reported family happiness. 49.6% believed that women's social status was related to educational level. 46.7% believed that confidence and independence was attainable in an institutional setting. There were 1.62 books and materials written per person, and 4.9 research topics received per person. Women aged 41-50 years reported poorer health evaluations than women aged 50-60 years. 79.6% reported their health as quite good or about average. 78.4% indicated that both parents influenced major decisions affecting their children. The majority of husbands were supportive of wives' senior intellectual standing. 96.7% reported that their careers were more important or equal to their families. 95.9% had a dominant or equal role with regard to their husbands. 85% had the major responsibility for shopping, cooking, laundry, and cleaning. About 50% spent time on managing household finances and tutoring children. 32.5% cared for elderly relatives. The average work day was 12 hours. The average television viewing time was 30 minutes/day. It is suggested that policies be formulated that would be favorable to senior female intellectuals' double burden, that the community service system contribute to reducing the household burden, and that the pace of electrification be accelerated.