TOFEDU: The Future of Education Journal
Vol 5 No 2 (2026)

The Dynamics of Role Conflict and Time Management among Couples in Dual Earner Families

Noor Huda (Universitas Muria Kudus)
Imey Ilsa Nur Afifah (Universitas Muria Kudus)
Chintya Rosa Meilia (Universitas Muria Kudus)
Putri Safridina Az-Zahra (Universitas Muria Kudus)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of role conflict and time management among dual-earner couples, with a particular focus on the tension between professional responsibilities and child-rearing. Using a phenomenological approach and semi-structured interviews guided by Bowen's Family Systems Theory, the study was conducted with three families in the Kudus–Jepara region of Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with six participants (three married couples) and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The findings revealed three major themes: (1) an imbalance in time allocation between work and family responsibilities, (2) disruption of the parent–child subsystem due to limited time for caregiving, and (3) diverse family coping strategies, ranging from role negotiation between spouses to the involvement of extended family members in childcare. These findings underscore the importance of flexible work arrangements and effective spousal communication in maintaining healthy family functioning. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed within the framework of Family Systems Theory.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

journal

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Other

Description

TOFEDU Journal is a scientific journal related to research results, conceptual studies, critical/comprehensive studies in the field of education. The results of the work of the researchers are expected to make a positive contribution in the field of education in order to achieve equitable, inclusive ...