Gender Differences in Work-Family Conflict. Fact or Fable? A Comparative Analysis of the Gender Perspective and Gender Ideology Theory

Abstract

This study uses data from the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) to examine gender differences in perceived work-family conflict. The following research question is used: How is the relationship between work and family demands and perceived work-family conflict different for men and women in the Netherlands? The study adds to existing literature by making a comparison between the gender perspective and the gender ideology theory in their ability to explain gender differences in perceived work-family conflict. The gender perspective theory states that culturally seen women have the main responsibility over the family domain, while men have the main responsibility over the work domain and that neglecting these responsibilities leads to work-family conflict (Duxbury & Higgins, 1991; Milkie & Peltola, 1999; Keene & Quadagno, 2004; Gutek et al, 1991; Hochschild, 1989; Voydanoff, 1988). The gender ideology states that men and women experience work-family conflict when they do not act according to their gender ideology. Women fulfill their identity by doing housework; men by participating in paid work (Minnotte et al, 2010; Greenstein, 1996). From the analyses, we can conclude that high levels of work-family conflict are rare. Moreover, gender differences in work-family conflict are minimal.