PhD ceremony P.K. Wotschack. Household governance and time allocation. Four studies on the combination of work and care
PhD ceremony: P.K. Wotschack, 16.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen
Thesis: Household governance and time allocation. Four studies on the combination of work and care
Promotor(s): prof. R.P.M. Wittek, prof. J. Siegers
Faculty: Behavioural and Social Sciences
In all modern societies couples face an increasing need to arrange the combination of work and care in a new way. Current research provides evidence that a considerable number of couples are not able to achieve the work-life balance desired. Several studies report an increase in hours of paid work and a high overall work load in the household, persistent gender differences in the division of paid and unpaid work, and a high level of perceived time pressure. This book approaches these issues by a new theoretical concept: The concept of 'household governance'. It provides a systematic way of studying how couples cope with cooperation and coordination problems by using outsourcing strategies, informal household rules, quality standards, and conflict-handling strategies. It also helps us to establish in what respect couples are successful or unsuccessful in their coping efforts. Previous research has repeatedly shown that problems in the combination of work and care emerge due to institutional barriers, high employer demands or financial restrictions. This study suggests that these problems also emerge due to transaction problems. Analyses based on the Time Competition Survey - a multi-stage sample of 565 Dutch couples in 30 work organizations - show how couples are creative in developing and inventing tailor-made solutions for household governance. Yet, a considerable number of them are not able to achieve a desired combination of work and care.
Last modified: | 12 February 2019 9.19 p.m. |
More news
-
09 April 2024
Kirsten van den Bosch: 'Connecting students with the work field really is achievable in every programme'
Dr Kirsten van den Bosch en her team won the Best Practice Award 2024 with their initiative to connect students with organizations to solve real problems within Academic Learning Communities.
-
03 April 2024
Research: much stress among Groningers due to gas extraction issues, including among the elderly
The gas extraction issue still has its effect on people in Groningen. Questionnaire research shows that people who had multiple instances of damage to their homes have increasingly poor health. In addition, interviews with elderly people show a...
-
05 March 2024
'Ordinary Joes can also be creative'
Organizational psychologist Eric Rietzschel researches creativity in the workplace. According to him, creativity enables us to move forward, but there is also a downside.