Age, workplace and the quality of life of women

Abstract

Aim of the research: The aim of the study was to examine the perception of the quality of life of women in early and middle adulthood who occupy managerial and executive positions.

Research methods: A hundred women were examined with the Questionnaire for the Quality of Life of Straś-Romanowska et al (2005). Selected among them were women occupying managerial positions and so-called executive positions. Another variable used in the analysis was the subjects’ age. The respondents were divided into groups of women under 35 (early adulthood) and above 35 years (middle adulthood).

Research results: Analysis of the data obtained shows that women in managerial positions feel a higher degree of quality of life than women in executive positions, regardless of their age. The age of women plays no role in their perception of quality of life. Statistically significant differences occur in the field of quality of life, i.e. a higher level of quality of life was found in the group of younger women in high positions. There is a significant difference between the declared perception of quality of life in women in early adulthood and middle adulthood who occupy executive positions. Comparative analysis has shown a higher level of quality of life in older women in lower positions.

Conclusions: A higher level of the perception of quality of life in women in managerial positions may result from a better material situation, and therefore from greater opportunities for self-development. A higher result in younger women in managerial positions is most likely associated with the fact that they do not have to devote themselves to a professional career, e.g. at the expense of the family. Often they do not yet have children, so all their attention can be directed towards development and professional activity and achieving success in this area. On the other hand, a higher perception of quality of life in middle-aged women in executive positions is probably related to the fact that they can devote their time to the needs of the family, raising children and caring for them.