More Than a Job, More Than a Parent: Gender Roles and Work-Care Balance in Spain and the Netherlands

Abstract

Balancing paid work and caregiving remains a central challenge shaped by national policies and persistent gender norms. This thesis examines how gender roles influence the work-care balance of mothers and fathers in Spain and the Netherlands, two countries with contrasting welfare models. Using secondary qualitative analysis of interviews from the CAPABLE project, the study applies reflexive thematic analysis to explore parents’ lived experiences. Three key themes emerge: the division of household and care responsibilities, emotional burdens and gendered guilt, and the role of institutional support. Dutch parents report more flexible, egalitarian arrangements, yet mothers still face significant emotional strain. In Spain, traditional gender roles dominate, with mothers primarily responsible for domestic tasks despite policy reforms aimed at equality. Fathers in both contexts engage in caregiving but encounter fewer social penalties and less emotional conflict. Findings highlight that while formal policies exist to promote work-care balance, cultural norms strongly influence their use and effectiveness. Mothers frequently adjust career paths to accommodate caregiving demands. This study underscores that achieving gender equality in work-care balance requires cultural change alongside policy reform. Insights contribute to gender theory and inform recommendations for policymakers and employers aiming to support equitable caregiving roles.