Beyond the “ideal” worker: Including men in work-family discussions

Abstract

Work-family literature has historically been heavily focused on the experiences of married, white mothers. Recent efforts have been undertaken to correct for the omission of more diverse populations in the work-family literature. This chapter aims to summarize the current knowledge of men’s experiences at the work-family interface. Specifically, a review of literature is presented to clarify what is known about men’s work-family conflict and work-family enrichment and the theoretical frameworks for understanding men’s work-family experiences. Gaps in the literature are highlighted. Practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed. Furthermore, this chapter offers alternative perspectives that challenge the traditional family structure of a male breadwinner who is partnered with a woman who is focused on children and the home. The ‘ideal worker’ is deconstructed, forming a basis for the argument that men encounter work-family issues and warrant more attention in work-family research. Suggestions for future research streams are included.