Martinengo, G: Gender and the Work-Family Interface

How do men and women differ in their perception of the work-family interface? How do these differences change as men and women transition to parenthood, raise and launch children, and then approach retirement? No previous studies adequately address these questions. This landmark study begins to. Data come from an IBM Global Work and Life Issues Survey representing 79 countries (N=41,813). Six family life stage groups were defined: no children and age 35 or less, transition to parenthood, preschool children, elementary children, teenagers, and empty nest (age 50+ years and no child dependents). Using a well-validated model of the work-family interface differences by gender by each life stage were identified. Using structural equation modeling the strengths of the paths were also compared. The findings indicate that gender differences are negligible until men and women have children. Parenting responsibilities are associated with greater gender differences. These differences diminish during the empty nest stage. Read this book for many other interesting, and sometimes unexpected gender differences in the work-family interface.