Peter Taylor-Gooby
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199267262
- eISBN:
- 9780191602023
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019926726X.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Economy
New social risks have emerged in relation to work‐life balance and securing a position in a more flexible labour market across Europe. Policy responses often involve the aspiration of ‘transforming ...
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New social risks have emerged in relation to work‐life balance and securing a position in a more flexible labour market across Europe. Policy responses often involve the aspiration of ‘transforming vice into virtue’ by reducing welfare state spending and at the same time increasing productivity. This is to be achieved by childcare and elder‐care policies and active labour market polices that get more women and unemployed people into paid work. It is difficult for governments and other policy actors to find large groups of voters who support these policies and reform typically involves compromise. However, the new social risk analysis is a corrective to the typical retrenchment analysis of old social risks such as pensions.Less
New social risks have emerged in relation to work‐life balance and securing a position in a more flexible labour market across Europe. Policy responses often involve the aspiration of ‘transforming vice into virtue’ by reducing welfare state spending and at the same time increasing productivity. This is to be achieved by childcare and elder‐care policies and active labour market polices that get more women and unemployed people into paid work. It is difficult for governments and other policy actors to find large groups of voters who support these policies and reform typically involves compromise. However, the new social risk analysis is a corrective to the typical retrenchment analysis of old social risks such as pensions.
John Hendry
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199268634
- eISBN:
- 9780191708381
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199268634.003.0007
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Strategy
This chapter focuses on management and morality in contemporary post-bureaucratic business organizations, or within the new corporate cultures of the flexible economy. It looks at three sets of moral ...
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This chapter focuses on management and morality in contemporary post-bureaucratic business organizations, or within the new corporate cultures of the flexible economy. It looks at three sets of moral tensions facing the manager. As a boss, the manager faces new tensions associated with hiring and firing, and tensions between the roles of stewardship and agency. As a colleague, the manager has to engage with the contemporary ethics of teamwork, in which duty and self-interest sit uncomfortably together. As an employee, the manager has to face increasing tensions between work and home. The chapter concludes by exploring the paradox of contemporary freedoms that are both enabling and severely disabling.Less
This chapter focuses on management and morality in contemporary post-bureaucratic business organizations, or within the new corporate cultures of the flexible economy. It looks at three sets of moral tensions facing the manager. As a boss, the manager faces new tensions associated with hiring and firing, and tensions between the roles of stewardship and agency. As a colleague, the manager has to engage with the contemporary ethics of teamwork, in which duty and self-interest sit uncomfortably together. As an employee, the manager has to face increasing tensions between work and home. The chapter concludes by exploring the paradox of contemporary freedoms that are both enabling and severely disabling.
Hartley Dean
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847420763
- eISBN:
- 9781447303473
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847420763.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Research and Statistics
‘Work-life balance’ is a contested notion, involving conflicting interpretations of ‘flexibility’ in relation to employment and family commitments. It may be justified on the basis of social care, a ...
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‘Work-life balance’ is a contested notion, involving conflicting interpretations of ‘flexibility’ in relation to employment and family commitments. It may be justified on the basis of social care, a business case or the contemporary public policy compromise. In practice however, people's capacity as employee and family members to achieve the kind of flexibility they want rests on their bargaining power. This chapter draws on findings from a small-scale qualitative investigation of work-life balance in low income neighbourhoods in the UK. It discusses different perspectives on the relationship between the worlds of paid employment and family life; the social welfare perspective, the liberal/business perspective and the ‘Third Way’ public policy perspective. It also discusses bargaining power in relation to employer practices, income maintenance and childcare arrangements. The chapter ends by integrating the analysis of various perspectives on work-life balance with the experiences of households, most of whom were identified as having very limited bargaining power.Less
‘Work-life balance’ is a contested notion, involving conflicting interpretations of ‘flexibility’ in relation to employment and family commitments. It may be justified on the basis of social care, a business case or the contemporary public policy compromise. In practice however, people's capacity as employee and family members to achieve the kind of flexibility they want rests on their bargaining power. This chapter draws on findings from a small-scale qualitative investigation of work-life balance in low income neighbourhoods in the UK. It discusses different perspectives on the relationship between the worlds of paid employment and family life; the social welfare perspective, the liberal/business perspective and the ‘Third Way’ public policy perspective. It also discusses bargaining power in relation to employer practices, income maintenance and childcare arrangements. The chapter ends by integrating the analysis of various perspectives on work-life balance with the experiences of households, most of whom were identified as having very limited bargaining power.
Lynn Schofield Clark
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199899616
- eISBN:
- 9780199980161
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199899616.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Marriage and the Family
This chapter continues the discussion of how parents make decisions regarding their approaches to digital and mobile media in the lives of their children, foregrounding the role of emotion work in ...
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This chapter continues the discussion of how parents make decisions regarding their approaches to digital and mobile media in the lives of their children, foregrounding the role of emotion work in these processes. In particular, the chapter considers how families engage in emotion work as they experience the time crunch of balancing work and family life, and how parents feel the need to justify their approaches when among extended family and peers who may not share their class and/or cultural milieu. The chapter then proposes emotion work as a framework that offers an alternative to presuming that parents make media choices based on rational reasoning regarding risk.Less
This chapter continues the discussion of how parents make decisions regarding their approaches to digital and mobile media in the lives of their children, foregrounding the role of emotion work in these processes. In particular, the chapter considers how families engage in emotion work as they experience the time crunch of balancing work and family life, and how parents feel the need to justify their approaches when among extended family and peers who may not share their class and/or cultural milieu. The chapter then proposes emotion work as a framework that offers an alternative to presuming that parents make media choices based on rational reasoning regarding risk.
Zoe Young
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9781529202021
- eISBN:
- 9781529202052
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781529202021.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Marriage and the Family
What's it really like to be a mother with a career working flexibly? Drawing on over 100 hours of interview data, this book is the first to go inside women's work and family lives in a year of ...
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What's it really like to be a mother with a career working flexibly? Drawing on over 100 hours of interview data, this book is the first to go inside women's work and family lives in a year of working flexibly. The private labours of going part-time, job sharing, and home working are brought to life with vivid personal stories. Taking a sociological and feminist perspective, the book explores contemporary motherhood, work–life balance, emotional work in families, couples and housework, maternity transitions, interactions with employers, work design and workplace cultures, and employment policies. It concludes that there is an opportunity to make employment and family life work better together and offers unique insights from women's lived experiences on how to do it.Less
What's it really like to be a mother with a career working flexibly? Drawing on over 100 hours of interview data, this book is the first to go inside women's work and family lives in a year of working flexibly. The private labours of going part-time, job sharing, and home working are brought to life with vivid personal stories. Taking a sociological and feminist perspective, the book explores contemporary motherhood, work–life balance, emotional work in families, couples and housework, maternity transitions, interactions with employers, work design and workplace cultures, and employment policies. It concludes that there is an opportunity to make employment and family life work better together and offers unique insights from women's lived experiences on how to do it.
Tracey Warren
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781447315568
- eISBN:
- 9781447315582
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447315568.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Public Policy
In Chapter One, Tracey Warren focuses on the changing nature of the work-life balance in the light of the economic crisis. While much of the focus of social policy analysis in the past has been on ...
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In Chapter One, Tracey Warren focuses on the changing nature of the work-life balance in the light of the economic crisis. While much of the focus of social policy analysis in the past has been on the impact on family life of ever-longer working hours (for those in work), Warren argues that we need to consider also the impact of the post-2008 economic crisis on work-time underemployment and on economic security. Most importantly, Warren offers insights into the class dimensions of the work-life balance debate, arguing that there is a clear difference between how the middle and working classes experience and manage the work life in the UK.Less
In Chapter One, Tracey Warren focuses on the changing nature of the work-life balance in the light of the economic crisis. While much of the focus of social policy analysis in the past has been on the impact on family life of ever-longer working hours (for those in work), Warren argues that we need to consider also the impact of the post-2008 economic crisis on work-time underemployment and on economic security. Most importantly, Warren offers insights into the class dimensions of the work-life balance debate, arguing that there is a clear difference between how the middle and working classes experience and manage the work life in the UK.
Suzan Lewis, Julia Brannen, and Ann Nilsen (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847422200
- eISBN:
- 9781447304326
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847422200.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Marriage and the Family
Across Europe the importance of reconciling paid work and family life is increasingly recognised by a range of diverse government regulations and organisational initiatives. At the same time, ...
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Across Europe the importance of reconciling paid work and family life is increasingly recognised by a range of diverse government regulations and organisational initiatives. At the same time, employing organisations and the nature of work are undergoing massive and rapid changes, in the context of global competition, efficiency drives, as well as social and economic transformations in emerging economies. This book illustrates how workplace practices and policies impact on employees' experiences of ‘work-life balance’ in contemporary shifting contexts. Based upon cross-national case studies of public and private sector workplaces carried out in Bulgaria, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK, this book demonstrates the challenges that parents face as they seek to negotiate work and family boundaries. The case studies demonstrate that employed parents' needs and experiences depend on many layers of context — global, European, national, workplace and family.Less
Across Europe the importance of reconciling paid work and family life is increasingly recognised by a range of diverse government regulations and organisational initiatives. At the same time, employing organisations and the nature of work are undergoing massive and rapid changes, in the context of global competition, efficiency drives, as well as social and economic transformations in emerging economies. This book illustrates how workplace practices and policies impact on employees' experiences of ‘work-life balance’ in contemporary shifting contexts. Based upon cross-national case studies of public and private sector workplaces carried out in Bulgaria, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK, this book demonstrates the challenges that parents face as they seek to negotiate work and family boundaries. The case studies demonstrate that employed parents' needs and experiences depend on many layers of context — global, European, national, workplace and family.
Hugh Cunningham
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- September 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780719085208
- eISBN:
- 9781781706817
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719085208.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Cultural History
This book provides the first history of how we have imagined and used time since 1700. It traces the history of the relationship between work and leisure, from the ‘leisure preference’ of male ...
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This book provides the first history of how we have imagined and used time since 1700. It traces the history of the relationship between work and leisure, from the ‘leisure preference’ of male workers in the eighteenth century, through the increase in working hours in the later eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, to their progressive decline from 1830 to 1970. It examines how trade union action was critical in achieving the decline; how class structured the experience of leisure; how male identity was shaped by both work and leisure; how, in a society that placed high value on work, a ‘leisured class’ was nevertheless at the apex of political and social power – until it became thought of as ‘the idle rich’. Coinciding with the decline in working hours, two further tranches of time were marked out as properly without work: childhood and retirement. By the mid-twentieth century married men had achieved a work- leisure balance. In the 1960s and 1970s it was argued that leisure time would increase at a rapid rate. This false prediction coincided with the entry of married women into the labour market and a halt to the decline in working hours and in sectors of the economy a reversal of it. These two developments radically changed the experience of time and thinking about it. Time became equated with achieving a ‘work-life balance’ where ‘life’ was often unpaid childcare and domestic work.Less
This book provides the first history of how we have imagined and used time since 1700. It traces the history of the relationship between work and leisure, from the ‘leisure preference’ of male workers in the eighteenth century, through the increase in working hours in the later eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, to their progressive decline from 1830 to 1970. It examines how trade union action was critical in achieving the decline; how class structured the experience of leisure; how male identity was shaped by both work and leisure; how, in a society that placed high value on work, a ‘leisured class’ was nevertheless at the apex of political and social power – until it became thought of as ‘the idle rich’. Coinciding with the decline in working hours, two further tranches of time were marked out as properly without work: childhood and retirement. By the mid-twentieth century married men had achieved a work- leisure balance. In the 1960s and 1970s it was argued that leisure time would increase at a rapid rate. This false prediction coincided with the entry of married women into the labour market and a halt to the decline in working hours and in sectors of the economy a reversal of it. These two developments radically changed the experience of time and thinking about it. Time became equated with achieving a ‘work-life balance’ where ‘life’ was often unpaid childcare and domestic work.
Bryn Caless
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781447300168
- eISBN:
- 9781447305507
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447300168.003.0003
- Subject:
- Social Work, Crime and Justice
Some police officers think that their rise to the top was pre-destined, others that they came to senior promotion very late. This chapter describes the processes by which they became aware of their ...
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Some police officers think that their rise to the top was pre-destined, others that they came to senior promotion very late. This chapter describes the processes by which they became aware of their potential, the poor levels of representation of women in the top ranks, security and unease in these command jobs and work-life balance (or lack of it) among chief police officers.Less
Some police officers think that their rise to the top was pre-destined, others that they came to senior promotion very late. This chapter describes the processes by which they became aware of their potential, the poor levels of representation of women in the top ranks, security and unease in these command jobs and work-life balance (or lack of it) among chief police officers.
Hugh Cunningham
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- September 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780719085208
- eISBN:
- 9781781706817
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719085208.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, Cultural History
The focus of this chapter is on women. Women in the early twentieth century enjoyed leisure time up to marriage but not thereafter. Married women’s entry into the labour market in large numbers in ...
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The focus of this chapter is on women. Women in the early twentieth century enjoyed leisure time up to marriage but not thereafter. Married women’s entry into the labour market in large numbers in the second half of the twentieth century did nothing to increase their leisure, and by the end of the century there was a growing literature addressed to women on how to achieve ‘work-life balance’, the key being personal organisation. But ‘life’ in this literature consisted mainly of unpaid child care and domestic work. It coincided with a half to the long decline of hours and in sectors of the economy, particularly in managerial jobs, an increase. Stress at work was increasingly a factor.Less
The focus of this chapter is on women. Women in the early twentieth century enjoyed leisure time up to marriage but not thereafter. Married women’s entry into the labour market in large numbers in the second half of the twentieth century did nothing to increase their leisure, and by the end of the century there was a growing literature addressed to women on how to achieve ‘work-life balance’, the key being personal organisation. But ‘life’ in this literature consisted mainly of unpaid child care and domestic work. It coincided with a half to the long decline of hours and in sectors of the economy, particularly in managerial jobs, an increase. Stress at work was increasingly a factor.
Sarah Jane Blithe, Anna Wiederhold Wolfe, and Breanna Mohr
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- September 2019
- ISBN:
- 9781479859290
- eISBN:
- 9781479875597
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- NYU Press
- DOI:
- 10.18574/nyu/9781479859290.003.0009
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Media Studies
In this chapter, the authors present data from participants about how legal prostitutes manage work and life boundaries. They argue that work-life management practices are different for stigmatized ...
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In this chapter, the authors present data from participants about how legal prostitutes manage work and life boundaries. They argue that work-life management practices are different for stigmatized workers because they must cope with occupational stigma by segmenting work and life realms in acutely distinct ways. The data revealed that work-life boundaries are disciplined by legal mythologies and ambiguities surrounding worker restrictions, occupational ideologies of “work now, life later,” and perceived and experienced effects of community-based stigma. These legal, occupational, and community constructs ultimately privilege organizations’ and external communities’ interests, while individual dirty workers carry the weight of stigma.Less
In this chapter, the authors present data from participants about how legal prostitutes manage work and life boundaries. They argue that work-life management practices are different for stigmatized workers because they must cope with occupational stigma by segmenting work and life realms in acutely distinct ways. The data revealed that work-life boundaries are disciplined by legal mythologies and ambiguities surrounding worker restrictions, occupational ideologies of “work now, life later,” and perceived and experienced effects of community-based stigma. These legal, occupational, and community constructs ultimately privilege organizations’ and external communities’ interests, while individual dirty workers carry the weight of stigma.
Sarlaksha Ganesh and M. P. Ganesh
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447327363
- eISBN:
- 9781447327370
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447327363.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics
This chapter explores the current state of policies and practices in India that aim to promote a good work–family balance, as well as the obstacles to their realisation. Overall, it can be said that ...
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This chapter explores the current state of policies and practices in India that aim to promote a good work–family balance, as well as the obstacles to their realisation. Overall, it can be said that the family, co-workers, supervisors, and organisations can play a major role in improving the work–life balance of their employees. Currently, it is a concern that work-life balance issues do not appear to be high on the agenda for many Indian organisations. However, there are some encouraging signs that some companies, such as Marriot Hotels, are taking the lead to implement positive work–life balance policies. Yet the research in this field in India is still in its infancy so it will take time to properly assess the impact that these developments might have.Less
This chapter explores the current state of policies and practices in India that aim to promote a good work–family balance, as well as the obstacles to their realisation. Overall, it can be said that the family, co-workers, supervisors, and organisations can play a major role in improving the work–life balance of their employees. Currently, it is a concern that work-life balance issues do not appear to be high on the agenda for many Indian organisations. However, there are some encouraging signs that some companies, such as Marriot Hotels, are taking the lead to implement positive work–life balance policies. Yet the research in this field in India is still in its infancy so it will take time to properly assess the impact that these developments might have.
Shirley Dex, Denise Hawkes, Heather Joshi, and Kelly Ward
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861346889
- eISBN:
- 9781447301783
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861346889.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Marriage and the Family
Fathers' contributions to childcare have increased, but are still far outweighed by mothers' contributions. Increased paid work among mothers has also necessitated increased childcare outside the ...
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Fathers' contributions to childcare have increased, but are still far outweighed by mothers' contributions. Increased paid work among mothers has also necessitated increased childcare outside the immediate family. This chapter focuses on paid work and childcare while mothers are employed, as elements of family life, at the dawn of the 21st century. The chapter describes first the employment status of parents at the point where their baby was aged 9–10 months, and then the childcare they arranged while they were employed. Finally, it examines indicators of mothers' and fathers' work-life balance.Less
Fathers' contributions to childcare have increased, but are still far outweighed by mothers' contributions. Increased paid work among mothers has also necessitated increased childcare outside the immediate family. This chapter focuses on paid work and childcare while mothers are employed, as elements of family life, at the dawn of the 21st century. The chapter describes first the employment status of parents at the point where their baby was aged 9–10 months, and then the childcare they arranged while they were employed. Finally, it examines indicators of mothers' and fathers' work-life balance.
Huatong Sun
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199744763
- eISBN:
- 9780199932993
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199744763.003.0005
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Models and Architectures
This chapter elucidates how action and meaning are interwoven in local uses, with a focus on the dialogic interactions of technology affordances, using an American case. It looks at how American ...
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This chapter elucidates how action and meaning are interwoven in local uses, with a focus on the dialogic interactions of technology affordances, using an American case. It looks at how American business professional Sophie used mobile text messaging for emotional support in various work settings in order to juggle work, family life, and friendship. The “artful integration” process was accomplished due to her successful negotiation between instrumental and social affordances.Less
This chapter elucidates how action and meaning are interwoven in local uses, with a focus on the dialogic interactions of technology affordances, using an American case. It looks at how American business professional Sophie used mobile text messaging for emotional support in various work settings in order to juggle work, family life, and friendship. The “artful integration” process was accomplished due to her successful negotiation between instrumental and social affordances.
Shirley Dex and Kelly Ward
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847424761
- eISBN:
- 9781447301790
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847424761.003.0006
- Subject:
- Sociology, Marriage and the Family
This chapter considers diversity arising from the parent's varied employment hours and care combinations, which is called family economies for both couples and lone parents. It also deals with ...
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This chapter considers diversity arising from the parent's varied employment hours and care combinations, which is called family economies for both couples and lone parents. It also deals with diversity linked to ethnicity and diversity linked to partnership status as these are important policy issues. It examines the detailed employment trajectories that MCS mothers followed over these five early years and their correlates with mothers' characteristics and use of childcare. It also documents mothers' working arrangements and the relationship of these to their work-life balance. It weighs all analyses that follow using a product of the original sampling weights and an allowance for attrition.Less
This chapter considers diversity arising from the parent's varied employment hours and care combinations, which is called family economies for both couples and lone parents. It also deals with diversity linked to ethnicity and diversity linked to partnership status as these are important policy issues. It examines the detailed employment trajectories that MCS mothers followed over these five early years and their correlates with mothers' characteristics and use of childcare. It also documents mothers' working arrangements and the relationship of these to their work-life balance. It weighs all analyses that follow using a product of the original sampling weights and an allowance for attrition.
Nick Bloom, Tobias Kretschmer, and John Van Reenen
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226261942
- eISBN:
- 9780226261959
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226261959.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
A debate is raging all over the developed world about quality of work issues. As unemployment has fallen in the United States and United Kingdom, attention has focused more on the quality rather than ...
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A debate is raging all over the developed world about quality of work issues. As unemployment has fallen in the United States and United Kingdom, attention has focused more on the quality rather than quantity of jobs. This has sharpened as women's participation has risen and issues of work–life balance and family-friendly policies have risen up the political agenda. This chapter sheds some empirical light on these debates. It characterizes two opposing views of globalization: the pessimistic and the optimistic view. A hybrid view between these two extremes is found. Finally, looking at U.S. multinationals based in Europe, an intriguing result is found that states that these firms appear to bring over their superior U.S. management practices with them to Europe but then adopt more worker-friendly European work–life balance practices.Less
A debate is raging all over the developed world about quality of work issues. As unemployment has fallen in the United States and United Kingdom, attention has focused more on the quality rather than quantity of jobs. This has sharpened as women's participation has risen and issues of work–life balance and family-friendly policies have risen up the political agenda. This chapter sheds some empirical light on these debates. It characterizes two opposing views of globalization: the pessimistic and the optimistic view. A hybrid view between these two extremes is found. Finally, looking at U.S. multinationals based in Europe, an intriguing result is found that states that these firms appear to bring over their superior U.S. management practices with them to Europe but then adopt more worker-friendly European work–life balance practices.
Margret Fine-Davis
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780719096969
- eISBN:
- 9781526115362
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719096969.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Marriage and the Family
This chapter explores people’s attitudes to childcare, work-life balance and related social policies in relation to their attitudes to having children. New measures were developed to tap attitudes in ...
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This chapter explores people’s attitudes to childcare, work-life balance and related social policies in relation to their attitudes to having children. New measures were developed to tap attitudes in this sphere. It is clear that choices regarding family size are being influenced by child care costs and the data suggest that if these were more affordable people would be inclined to have more children than they are presently having. Another important factor which impinges on fertility decisions is that the workplace as currently constructed is not viewed as conducive to work-life balance and flexible working policies are perceived as relevant to childbearing decisions. Results signalled a readiness for greater sharing of childcare between men and women. The findings underscore the need for social policy to address the dilemmas faced by young people who want to start families, while at the same time fulfilling their own needs for autonomy and development.Less
This chapter explores people’s attitudes to childcare, work-life balance and related social policies in relation to their attitudes to having children. New measures were developed to tap attitudes in this sphere. It is clear that choices regarding family size are being influenced by child care costs and the data suggest that if these were more affordable people would be inclined to have more children than they are presently having. Another important factor which impinges on fertility decisions is that the workplace as currently constructed is not viewed as conducive to work-life balance and flexible working policies are perceived as relevant to childbearing decisions. Results signalled a readiness for greater sharing of childcare between men and women. The findings underscore the need for social policy to address the dilemmas faced by young people who want to start families, while at the same time fulfilling their own needs for autonomy and development.
Rachael A. Woldoff and Robert C. Litchfield
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- February 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780190931780
- eISBN:
- 9780190931810
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190931780.003.0002
- Subject:
- Sociology, Occupations, Professions, and Work, Urban and Rural Studies
Place matters—so much so that some successful people are willing to abandon their established lives to change it. Creative class professionals who leave behind their conventional lives and employment ...
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Place matters—so much so that some successful people are willing to abandon their established lives to change it. Creative class professionals who leave behind their conventional lives and employment report that life in creative class cities is expensive and demanding. Moreover, their so-called creative jobs are often routine and disappointing, failing to offer a career track or promise of wage growth that will outpace the rising cost of living in these prime locations. This chapter examines digital nomads’ narratives of the push factors that drove them from their home countries into the digital nomad lifestyle abroad, detailing the factors that triggered their decisions to flee unfulfilling jobs, unsatisfying relationships, and unsustainable lifestyles. It explains why people with initiative and skills are increasingly considering new paths that allow them to retain control over their location, lifestyle, and employment options.Less
Place matters—so much so that some successful people are willing to abandon their established lives to change it. Creative class professionals who leave behind their conventional lives and employment report that life in creative class cities is expensive and demanding. Moreover, their so-called creative jobs are often routine and disappointing, failing to offer a career track or promise of wage growth that will outpace the rising cost of living in these prime locations. This chapter examines digital nomads’ narratives of the push factors that drove them from their home countries into the digital nomad lifestyle abroad, detailing the factors that triggered their decisions to flee unfulfilling jobs, unsatisfying relationships, and unsustainable lifestyles. It explains why people with initiative and skills are increasingly considering new paths that allow them to retain control over their location, lifestyle, and employment options.
Bryn Caless and Jane Owens
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781447320692
- eISBN:
- 9781447320715
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447320692.003.0008
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Gender Studies
Commissioners work very long hours and the risks of such behaviour are examined in the context of work life balance. The confidential views of both commissioners and chief police officers are ...
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Commissioners work very long hours and the risks of such behaviour are examined in the context of work life balance. The confidential views of both commissioners and chief police officers are considered together with the academic literature. Commissioners were invited to discuss the future of the role and the likely expansions of their remit over time, which leads to discussion of the impact of commissioners on local criminal justice systems.Less
Commissioners work very long hours and the risks of such behaviour are examined in the context of work life balance. The confidential views of both commissioners and chief police officers are considered together with the academic literature. Commissioners were invited to discuss the future of the role and the likely expansions of their remit over time, which leads to discussion of the impact of commissioners on local criminal justice systems.
Suzan Lewis, Julia Brannen, and Ann Nilsen
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847422200
- eISBN:
- 9781447304326
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847422200.003.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Marriage and the Family
Most young Europeans expect to combine paid work and parenting at the same time in their life course, although they do not have a clear idea on how easy or difficult it will be to manage and support ...
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Most young Europeans expect to combine paid work and parenting at the same time in their life course, although they do not have a clear idea on how easy or difficult it will be to manage and support what might be necessary. It is difficult for them to do so, as people's circumstances differ and in some national contexts there are no clear normative models that apply to both fathers and mothers. Many of the research on working parents' needs and experiences focuses either on regulation/workplace policies and national public policy, which are only part of the overall picture. National, economic, social and ideological contexts are significant. Labour market and workplace policies can make a difference to parents' lives, however, the changing economic climates and global trends also have a profound effect in shaping the practices and cultures in specific workplaces in specific contexts and societies. This volume recognises the significance of several interacting and dynamic layers of context on employees who are attempting to reconcile paid work and the tasks of parenting young children. It explores the ways in which managers manage employees' need for work-life balance while fulfilling the organisations' aims and goals of profitability and efficiency. The focus of this volume is on the workplace and the changes that are happening therein, as well as on the other layers of context that influence and are influenced by employing organisations. This volume is comprised of case studies of the changing European workplaces carried out as a part of the eight-country study entitled: ‘Transitions: Gender, Parenthood and the Changing European Workplace’. The study evaluated the experiences of employed parents and their managers, including the ways in which parents are able to negotiate work-family boundaries in varied national contexts and in the rapidly changing organisational contexts. The objective of the study is to develop an understanding of the impact of welfare state, organisational change, and workplace context on young adults who are parents in the countries of Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden and the UK. The case studies in these countries provide an understanding of the processes whereby contexts create limitations as well as enable conditions where working parents can manage their everyday lives.Less
Most young Europeans expect to combine paid work and parenting at the same time in their life course, although they do not have a clear idea on how easy or difficult it will be to manage and support what might be necessary. It is difficult for them to do so, as people's circumstances differ and in some national contexts there are no clear normative models that apply to both fathers and mothers. Many of the research on working parents' needs and experiences focuses either on regulation/workplace policies and national public policy, which are only part of the overall picture. National, economic, social and ideological contexts are significant. Labour market and workplace policies can make a difference to parents' lives, however, the changing economic climates and global trends also have a profound effect in shaping the practices and cultures in specific workplaces in specific contexts and societies. This volume recognises the significance of several interacting and dynamic layers of context on employees who are attempting to reconcile paid work and the tasks of parenting young children. It explores the ways in which managers manage employees' need for work-life balance while fulfilling the organisations' aims and goals of profitability and efficiency. The focus of this volume is on the workplace and the changes that are happening therein, as well as on the other layers of context that influence and are influenced by employing organisations. This volume is comprised of case studies of the changing European workplaces carried out as a part of the eight-country study entitled: ‘Transitions: Gender, Parenthood and the Changing European Workplace’. The study evaluated the experiences of employed parents and their managers, including the ways in which parents are able to negotiate work-family boundaries in varied national contexts and in the rapidly changing organisational contexts. The objective of the study is to develop an understanding of the impact of welfare state, organisational change, and workplace context on young adults who are parents in the countries of Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden and the UK. The case studies in these countries provide an understanding of the processes whereby contexts create limitations as well as enable conditions where working parents can manage their everyday lives.
