Work and Family Research and Theory: Review and Analysis From an Ecological Perspective

Abstract

This invited review examines major trends and developments in the work and family field from an ecological perspective. We examine how research has developed over the past several decades with attention to the ways in which dominant theories and empirical findings, couched in specific historical and social eras, have moved the field forward and addressed important questions, while also raising many more. We first examine theoretical paradigms and empirical work on the topic of work and family across the decades spanning from the 1960s to 2000. We then pay significant attention to the major theoretical and empirical foci of the 21st century based on an analysis of more than 300 of the top‐rated work–family articles in the field. We close with a proposal for fruitful directions for future research and theory in the work and family field.

Gendered work-family trajectories and depression at older age

“…Secondly, when it comes to work-family research, most of it stems from the field of occupational health psychology and circles around potential risks from role conflicts or benefits from role enhancements at a given point of time (Allen & Martin, 2017;Perry-Jenkins & Wadsworth, 2017). However, some shortcomings of this previous research are its often cross-sectional design (Plaisier et al, 2008) and the subjective assessment of the interplay (i.e.…”

Mission Impossible? New Housework Theories for Changing Families

“…Further, Moen, Kelly, and Huang () make a case for a multidimensional life course fit model that takes into account both the ecologies of work and home. Finally, Perry‐Jenkins and Wadsworth () underscore the importance of applying an ecological perspective to understand work–family issues given changing temporal and geographical definitions of work and the permeability of work and non‐work life (see also Perry‐Jenkins, Newkirk, & Ghunney, and Perry‐Jenkins & Wadsworth, ). These studies point to the importance of deconstructing theoretical approaches but also to expanding social science data sources to estimate complicated estimates of couples work–family approaches.…”

“…Here, data collection advancement is essential, requiring surveying of all family members rather than a family representative or couples. Among multigenerational families, questions of work-family fit will require a detailed understanding of demands at each life stage, with careful attention paid to ecological issues of space and place (Becker & Moen, 1999;Han & Moen, 1999;Moen & Yu, 2000;Perry-Jenkins & Wadsworth, 2017b). Given the rise in women sandwiched between child and parent care, understanding the physical needs of aging household members, children, spouses and the prime aged respondents is essential (Ingersoll-Dayton, Neal, & Hammer, 2001).…”

Daily Smartphone Use for Work and Its Effect on Work-Life Conflict among Integrators

“…Indeed, the constant connectivity of smartphones facilitates individuals to solve work problems, and to extend the ongoing coordination among clients, colleagues, and supervisors. Nevertheless, its use increases the pace of work and ties individuals to their work, even during off-work hours that once were mainly dedicated to nonwork life (Butts, Becker, & Boswell, 2015;Fujimoto, Ferdous, Sekiguchi, & Sugianto, 2016;Perry-Jenkins & Wadsworth, 2017). With the growing irresistibility of the smartphone, its usage competes with individuals' attention to other activities, which may cause difficulty to concentrate in the nonwork domain.…”