The Changing Realities of Work and Family

The growing participation of women in the workplace has been mirrored by a rising interest among social scientists about how work and family life might best be integrated. Given that dual-earner couples are now the norm in western economies, I was surprised to learn how little research had been conducted to date. The editors have compiled this collection – albeit with a US perspective – as their contribution to moving the debate forward.

The topics addressed will be familiar to UK readers, although solutions reflect the vastly different legislative approach in the US. With scant legal provision for family time, American employees depend heavily on their employers for flexible working arrangements and support such as employee engagement programmes and workplace nurseries.