Examining the work–life balance of immigrants in Australia: An anomie theory perspective. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pillay, Soma; Riaz, Shoaib; Dorasamy, Nirmala
• Is Part Of: International journal of intercultural relations. Volume 93(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Work-family -- Culture -- Institutional anomie -- Work pressure -- Individualism and collectivism -- Social and family pressure; Intercultural communication -- Periodicals; Cultural relations -- Periodicals; Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Communication interculturelle -- Périodiques; Relations culturelles -- Périodiques; Études transculturelles -- Périodiques; Cross-cultural studies; Cultural relations; Intercultural communication; Periodicals; 303.482
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2023.101753
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0147-1767

Abstract

Abstract: Against the backdrop of significant migration changes and the predicted further diversification of the workforce, we present the concept of anomie to explain how different sociological and cultural settings influence migrants' work and family experiences. Anomie refers to the feeling of disorientation and alienation from society caused by a sense of absence of supporting social systems. This article integrates cross-cultural management research into the migration and work–family interface and presents findings from a study of migrants residing in Australia. Through a qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews and open-ended surveys, our study explored participants' experiences of social and cultural adaptation orientations and behavioural anomie shifts. The findings and theoretical explanation lend strong support to the understanding that sociological influences and cultural orientation moderate migrants' experiences. We also present an argument for refining Durkheim's anomie theory to incorporate strains of social, cultural and behavioural consequences concerning migrants' work and life experiences across cultures.