Continuity and change in work-life balance choices
1Centre for the Study of Women and Gender, University of Warwick, UK. n.charles@warwick.ac.uk
The British Journal of Sociology
|July 6, 2007
Summary
Generational shifts reveal evolving work-life balance choices in heterosexual couples. De-institutionalization of traditional family structures enables more pragmatic, less gendered decisions, particularly among younger generations.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Family Studies
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Social change impacts heterosexual couples' work-life balance decisions.
- The concept of 'individualization' is examined in relation to these changes.
- Generational differences in work-life balance choices are a key focus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore generational variations in heterosexual couples' work-life balance choices.
- To analyze the gendered nature of these choices.
- To assess the utility of 'individualization' in understanding social change effects on couples.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes findings from a restudy of family and social change.
- Incorporates data from a study on the gender dimensions of job insecurity.
- Research conducted in a consistent geographical location for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- Evidence of generational change in work-life balance strategies.
- Increasing occupational differentiation observed between heterosexual partners.
- Younger generations exhibit more negotiation and pragmatism in work-life choices, blurring traditional gender boundaries.
Conclusions:
- De-institutionalization of the male breadwinner family facilitates de-gendering of work-life choices.
- Individualization processes are more pronounced in younger generations.
- External societal changes, rather than solely internal family dynamics, drive these shifts.
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