The Impact of Gender Role Attitudes and Workplace Discrimination on Job Satisfaction among Women: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem and the Moderating Effects of Work-Life Balance

Abstract

In the contemporary workforce, women continue to face entrenched gender-based barriers that hinder their job satisfaction and professional growth. Despite growing participation across sectors, traditional gender role attitudes and pervasive workplace discrimination remain significant obstacles. These societal and organizational biases not only challenge women’s advancement but also adversely affect their self-esteem and capacity to maintain a balanced personal and professional life. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of gender role attitudes and workplace discrimination on job satisfaction among women, incorporating self-esteem as a mediating variable and work-life balance as a moderating factor. Guided by Social Role Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory, the study aimed to uncover both the structural and psychological mechanisms affecting women's workplace experiences. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 301 professional women from public sectors in Pakistan, including education, healthcare, law enforcement, and social services. Standardized instruments were used to measure all variables via a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS, with Hayes' PROCESS Macro employed for mediation and moderation analysis. The main results revealed that workplace discrimination significantly decreased self-esteem and job satisfaction, while egalitarian gender role attitudes indirectly enhanced job satisfaction through higher self-esteem. Self-esteem fully mediated the relationship between gender role attitudes and job satisfaction, and partially mediated the relationship between workplace discrimination and job satisfaction. Additionally, work-life balance significantly moderated the link between self-esteem and job satisfaction amplifying job satisfaction for women reporting higher balance. The value and implications of this study lie in its integrated framework that combines societal attitudes, workplace conditions, and psychological resilience. The findings underscore the importance of inclusive policies, self-esteem enhancement programs, and flexible work arrangements in promoting gender equity, psychological well-being, and sustained job satisfaction for women in diverse professional settings.

Keywords: Gender Role Attitudes; Workplace Discrimination; Job Satisfaction; Women Employees; Self-Esteem; Work-Life Balance