The Economic Activities of Female Breadwinners and Their Implications for the Family: A Field Study of a Sample of Women in the City of Tobruk

Abstract

This study aims to identify the economic activities of female breadwinners and their implications for the family. It originated from several research questions, the most important of which are: What are the economic activities practiced by female breadwinners? And are there any implications of these activities for the family? The study employed the descriptive-analytical method, with a purposive or “snowball” sample consisting of (100) respondents. The questionnaire was used as the main data collection tool, and statistical analysis methods were applied. The main findings include: One of the most prominent reasons for women becoming family breadwinners is widowhood, which leads women to bear the responsibility of providing for their families after the husband’s death. Consequently, women assume a dual role — caring for their children and providing for their economic needs. The most common economic activities practiced by female breadwinners are traditional handicrafts, which play a key role in generating income, meeting basic family needs, improving living standards, and achieving financial and social stability. The implications of women’s economic activities on their families include: • Providing a stable income and improving the family’s standard of living. • Reducing financial hardship. • Achieving economic independence. • Strengthening family social relationships. • Diversifying family income sources. Thus, these activities have had a positive impact on the psychological and social stability of families.