Work and family over time: A life course approach

Given the fundamental changes in the institutions of both work and family, the need to focus on the work-family interface is greater than ever. Most s tudies, however, examine this interface in terms of individuals and at only one point in time. The authors propose a coupled-careers model, based on a Life course perspective, directly addressing the multiple interfaces betwe en work and family and between men and women as they unfold over time. This approach challenges implicit assumptions and stereotypes about work, caree rs, and gender that are increasingly outdated. Analysis of the data collect ed in the Cornell Retirement and Well-Being Study consistently shows the as ymmetry between husbands and wives in their distinctive work-family interfa ces over the life course. The evidence from our data leads us to believe th at what is required are new, more open, and more flexible institutional arr angements for structuring the work-family interface for both men and women at all life course and career stages.