Revisiting the Work Family Role Conflict. A reflection on the state of the body of knowledge in that area

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Seminar paper from the year 2010 in the subject Sociology - Individual, Groups, Society, grade: 1, 0, University of Auckland (Social Science), course: reading paper, language: English, abstract: It is well known that the demands associated with paid work can be at conflict with required housework, as well as the leisure aspect of family life. The major demographical changes in the past few decades have seen this issue become increasingly wide spread. Not only has the number of women in the labour force seen an increase, but also the number of dual earner couples in America increased from 35.9% in 1970 to nearly 60% in 2000 . The proportion of single parent families more than doubled from 11.1% in 1970 to 24.3% in 2000 and the number of working single parents raised in the same period from 53.2% to 71%. Furthermore, life expectancy has increased, for example in the USA from 47.3 Years in 1900 to 77.9 years in 2007. The consequence is that an increasing number of employees have to struggle with juggling a variety of roles like being a parent, a student, a spouse and caring for elderly parents. If an individual is unable to adequately meet the demands of these different roles, role conflicts - and in particular work-family role conflicts - are the inevitable result . The aim of this essay is therefore to explore the work-family role conflict (wfc) area. Firstly, the methods used to find the relevant literature will be presented. Afterwards, the field of wfc issues will be introduced by examining definitions and a theoretical framework will be outlined. A focus will be set on Merton's theory of role conflict, due to the fact that until now this theory has not been connected in any great detail with the wfc topic. The question, what is the explanatory power of Merton's theory of role conflicts in regard to the topic wfc's will be answered after presenting his theory and connecting it with the wfc field. Afterwards, a literature review reflects the major theory in the field of wfc area. The theory is called the theory of role dynamics and was developed by Kahn and Katz (1978). I will compare this theory to Merton's theory of role conflicts. A short part on other theories in the wfc field, will close the reflection on theories. Then, the presentation of major research fields and the naming of important findings in that area reflect the state of knowledge in the wfc field. This attempt is important to uncover recent research gaps. The question, which will be answered after this part is: What are areas, which require further research attempts.