In this book, Hakim presents a new, multi-disciplinary theory for explaining and predicting current and future patterns of women's choice between employment and family work. Preference theory is the first theory developed specifically to explain women's behaviour and choices. As such, it constitutes a major break from male-centred theorizing to date in sociology and economics. Preference theory is grounded on the substantial body of new research on women's work and fertility that has flourished within feminist scholarship. It identifies five major historical changes that collectively are producing a qualitatively new scenario for women in prosperous societies in the 21st century. Throughout the analysis, the USA and Britain illustrate what the new scenario means for women, how it alters their preferences and work-lifestyles choices. Hakim also reviews research evidence on contemporary developments across Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the far East to develop a new theory that is genuine international in perspective.

As we begin the twenty-first century, UK employees work the longest hours in Europe. Workplace stress and home responsibilities are among the top five causes of absence from work. Yet work-life balance has emerged as a key concern for employers, policy makers and the media. This edited volume contains findings from fourteen research projects within the ESRC's Future of Work Programme. The research examines the notion of employment flexibility and the effects of gender and care responsibilities on work and work performance. Conflicting needs of employers and employees and the gender divisions in work and family life call into question the feasibility of achieving the Government's aim of work-life balance for everyone.

The world of work is constantly evolving, as is the interplay between work and other life domains. As such, it is critical that practitioners and scholars recognise the complexities of balancing work and life in the 21st century. The goal of this book is therefore to meet the demand for knowledge and skills to help employees, employers and families successfully navigate work and life. The chapters address problems and propose solutions for diverse issues, ranging from classic, yet prevalent, topics (i.e., gender disparities) to novel ideas and new directions for research (ie: chronotypes and recovery experience). To best serve the needs of the readers, both academic and applied, this volume includes empirical studies, practical reflections, review chapters, and research recommendations for the future. The idea of work-family conflict is not a new one and has been of interest to scholars and organisational leaders for nearly five decades. Yet, we know now that balancing work and life goes beyond the needs of the traditional family and the traditional nine-to-five job. We also know that in addition to the negative consequences associated with work-family conflict, there are indeed benefits associated with balancing multiple life roles. As such, the first section of this volume examines work-life balance in unique (and often, overlooked) populations of workers. The second section goes beyond the traditional idea of work-family conflict to explore innovative ways in which to conceptualise work-life balance for the future.

As we begin the twenty-first century, UK employees work the longest hours in Europe. Workplace stress and home responsibilities are among the top five causes of absence from work. Yet work-life balance has emerged as a key concern for employers, policy makers and the media. This edited volume contains findings from 14 research projects within the ESRC's Future of Work Programme. The research examines the notion of employment flexibility and the effects of gender and care responsibilities on work and work performance. Conflicting needs of employers and employees and the gender divisions in work and family life call into question the feasibility of achieving the Government's aim of work-life balance for everyone.

Chronicling the lives and career choices of a dynamic group of women, this book provides a comprehensive and unique glimpse into the intricate balance of work and family. Women's Employment and Homemaking Careers is based on three surveys, the first conducted while the women were attending university, and the second and third conducted one and two decades later. The surveys provide quantitative data that supplements the qualitative material gained from final interviews conducted at the end of the 25 year longitudinal study. The book is based on two comparisons - the first examines how women change in the quarter century following university and the second compares the lifestyle choices of career women, homemakers, part-time employees and entrepreneurs -- and uses those comparisons to build in-depth analyses of the pivotal importance of women's employment and family decisions. Cherlyn Granrose interprets her findings using lifespan development, decision-making and gender role theories, and then outlines lessons for women, their counselors and employers as well as for other scholars. Women learn there are many different means by which to create satisfying family and working lives; employers learn the importance of positive supervision and flexible family support policies; and scholars learn the necessity of using multiple methods and perspectives to understand the complexity of modern women's lives.Scholars and students of sociology, psychology, business and women's studies will find this volume as informative as they will find it interesting.

Most of us today feel overwhelmed with increasing workloads and responsibility--at home, as well as work. More and more high achievers (leaders, executives, and business owners) are surviving rather than thriving, struggling to manage the boundaries between our professional and personal lives. To make matters worse, we lack perspective to see how to make changes to do anything better. Work-life balance in the 21st century is a myth. Work is part of life, not something we balance. Instead, we must learn to integrate our two separate worlds. We must learn to lead ourselves before we lead anybody else. The strategies and stories contained within will inspire you to take responsibility for your own health, define what you really want out of life, and work towards your goals.In three key stages, you will learn to:1.develop a healthy foundation of self-respect2.prioritise your self-care3.implement achievable self-management strategies.It is possible to pursue your passion, achieve extraordinary success and build a great lifestyle. This book will show you how.