Women and Men in Circumstances - Article Example

A number of studies have been carried out with regard to the generic workload distribution and trends of both the genders. The of study undertaken was set of countries that had contrasting outlook in their social and cultural existence. The findings were based on the surveys conducted between 1994 and 2004. The focus of study is to assess the dual earning aspect and the trends and policies of government that either encourage or discourage the women in certain circumstances and men in other associated circumstances. The focus of study and findings is based upon the work of International Social Survey Programme. The reason for choosing these three countries was the fact that each depicted a comprehensively contrasting outlook with regard to the role of adult members and their subsequent role performance. The studies are based on the assessment of the workforce division and government policies in line with this division. Countries from the region of Scandinavia have shown equal and positive distribution of work load between the adult members. To encourage the men’s participation and in comparison to maternity leave, a daddy leave was introduced that would allow the parents looking into the domestic aspect and possibly the children’s upbringing and other associated factors. Other countries have shown traces of encouraging similar trend and pattern between the members of family. For example Czech Republic came up with similar move and idea of making maximum use of the women’s abilities in a more effective manner. Other variables taken into account are the level of education, the number of children, the age group and other parameters and dynamics that have direct or indirect influence on the house activities and working patterns. Other questions put forth included the questions asking if the male family member should participate more actively in the household activities and to little surprise, the women supported the idea of involving the men in household chores undertaking. Results and key claims of the paper The aim was to assess the findings in terms of the variations that may have taken place between the span of eight years in which these findings and surveys were carried out. The question of happy married life and the potential causes of divorce and separation were studied in the light of factors that have an impact on the overall domestic environment and working behavior. The studied conducted revealed that the families with conventional mindset and roles assignment depicted low rates of instability. However the increased number of children and low income rates was a parallel factor and constraint that often added to the imbalance and troubles within the family affairs. The change in pattern and outlook is being associated to the policies and regulations incorporation by the governments in these areas. The variable states are Great Britain, Norway and Czech Republic. The partner’s nature of work largely defines the working pattern and possibility of working out at a stretch. Young and Willmott in their study in 1973 predicted that with more vigorous participation of women in the social field, the role and standing of men may also take a turn for more active participation, however with facts like more demanding office environments and other field jobs, the men have at times found it difficult to dedicate and spare out time for domestic chores. The focus of study also is to investigate if the conservative bloc has undergone any moderation with regard to the persistent westernization that is in place and on display. Investigations have been undertaken to evaluate any correlation that may co exist between attitude and behavior. This is established through studies of variables and associated circumstances. Hojgarrd , Crompton and Birkelund undertook the study of different disciplines such as banking domains and other full time jobs and then assessed the working performance and impact on domestic environment and role assignment in the domestic sphere. The change and potential development has been assessed with regard to the variations in terms of the individual standing and participation between 1994 and 2002 surveys that were conducted accordingly. Number of basic questions were put forth. Some of these included questions as simple as the inquiry about the member of family who washes the clothes to look after factor. Major findings: In the two of the three countries investigated for research, it was established that there was a declining curve with regard to the division in the conventional manner. Czech Republic did not show any variation of sort though. Meaning that the other two countries and societies were adapting to more dynamic co existence of the adult members with bid to maximize the potential possessed in any way possible. Age was termed as a considerably strong factor towards determining the tendency of work. In a natural co relation, the older age members found it hard to spare out time and break the shackles of conventional role assignment. Those who were relatively young have fresh legs and can manage coming out of the conventional criterion segment. This was evident in Great Britain and Norway predominately. The surveys also found that the women leading to active role in practical life was also on the rise and percentage figures presented were as high as 65 percent in parts of Great Britain and Norway (Crompton et.al, 2005). Great Britain depicted positive trends with regard to the overall dynamics of roles assignment and the subsequent utilization of abilities from it. Norway also showed positive trends with a value of variation of three percent towards positive curve between the two surveys conducted between the span of eight years. Different statistical and regression models have been incorporated to assess various factors, their impact and the variables (both dependent and independent) between the two surveys conducted. The role of women with regard to their participation was also investigated. It was assessed that the female members whose male partners were indulged in more active and longer duration periods found little support in the domestic chores. Those otherwise provided more active assistance to the female members within the family. References: Brandth, B. and Kvande, E. (2002) ‘Reflexive Fathers: Negotiating Parental Leave and Working Life’, Gender, Work and Organization 9(2): 186–203. Crompton, R, Brockmann, M & Lyonette, C 2005, Attitudes, womens employment and the domestic division of labour: a cross-national analysis in two waves, Survey findings, Work Employment Society, British Sociological Association. Fagan, C. (2002) ‘How Many Hours? Work-time Regimes and Preferences in European Countries’, in G. Crow and S. Heath (eds) Social Conceptions of Time – Structure and Process in Work and Everyday Life. London: Palgrave/Macmillan. Hakim, C. (2003) Models of the Family in Modern Societies: Ideals and Realities. Aldershot: Aldgate. Read More