1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« This chapter explores how parents balance family time and work in studying three questions : Does the variety of work patterns allow for a satisfactory standard of living for families, given the constraints related to the labour market requierements? Do the work patterns correspond to a family strategy? Does the adoption of complex working arrangements create living conditions with negative consequences for the quality of family life? » (p. 52)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
« The population studied corresponds to Canadian two-parent families with at least one child aged 0 to 11 years, inclusively. […] This analysis is based on the first cycle of the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) done by Statistics Canada and Human Resources Development Canada (1997). » (p. 52)

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu et analyse statistique

3. Résumé

« Since the middle of the twentieth century the Canadian family has evolved dramatically, in particular because of the impetus of the massive entry of women into the labour force. At the outset, labour force participation was usually reserved for single and childless women, but it gradually extended to mothers of school-aged children, and finally also to mothers of young children. As a result, families where both parents work outside the home have become commonplace. This new reality entails aspects that profoundly modify the framework in which the relationships between men and women are expressed and within which couples raise their children. » (p. 49)
« The research presented here has highlighted the fact that the complexity of work arrangements chosen by parents does not necessarily lead to a satisfying standard of living. Indeed, economic well-being seems to be inversely proportional to the complexity of working arrangements. […]
As the presence of both parents in the labour force now appears essential for attaining an acceptable standard of living, society is confronted by the need to re-examine the role that public authorities should play in assisting parents to look after their children. Family needs are diverse and vary as a function of the number and age of children. The development of family and social policies must place this reality at the heart of the principles guiding decision-making. » (pp. 73-74)