Life Satisfaction Among Working Women in a Southeast Asian Country

Abstract

Women play a critical role in the economic and social well-being. Therefore, measuring life satisfaction of women is important to see their view of life. Life satisfaction measures the overall satisfaction in life. The aim of this study is to determine whether there are differences in life satisfaction among working women in Malaysian from the perspectives of demographic characteristics. The measure of life satisfaction was based on the Life Satisfaction Scale. Purposive random sampling method was used to choose the sample. The analysis is based on responses of 302 working women. Independent t-test and one-way ANOVA is used to the test the variables. Overall, the life satisfaction of the working women was found to be moderate in the study. The results of the study found significant differences in life satisfaction with regards to marital status, age, occupation, income, spouse’s education and spouse’s income. However, ethnicity, education, spouse’s age, spouse’s occupation and number of children did not show to be significantly different. The Ministry in charge of women, family and society development could provide the necessary assistance to women who are having problems that could affect their life satisfaction. Women who are interested in opening their own business could also be assisted by the relevant agencies to improve in their income. Through this, they can assist their family financially. More policies supporting women should be introduced to assist or strengthen the position of women to move up professionally and socially.