Work Family Dynamics: Sociology & Social Policy

This book offers a new theoretical lens for understanding work-family reconciliation by studying how work-family dynamics are shaped, squeezed and developed between consistent or competing logics in different societies in Europe and the US. The three institutions working life, family and the state, and their underexplored underlying logics of regulation, morality and economic competitiveness are examined theoretically, as well as empirically, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of the contemporary challenges within the field of work-family research.

The book specifically explores how the logics that are at play – family policies, quotas and gender equality measures – are confronted with various moral norms of good parenthood or motherhood and ideals for family life. Likewise, the logic of regulation and moral is challenged by the economic logic of working life, based on competition in favour of the most productive workers and organizations. The importance and expressions of the various institutions and their underlying logics varies between countries, as well as between social segments. Taken together, the contributions of this book will demonstrate different aspects of what is behind and between the logics of state regulation, morals and market – and how these logics are in play in different societies, limiting or widening mothers’ and fathers’ options for work-family reconciliation.

Berit Brandth is Professor in the Department of Sociology and Political Science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway.

Sigtona Halrynjo is Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Social Research, Oslo, Norway.

Elin Kvande is Professor in the Department of Sociology and Political Science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway.