Work and family conflict in academic science: patterns and predictors among women and men in research universities

Soc Stud Sci. 2011 Oct;41(5):715-35. doi: 10.1177/0306312711417730.

Abstract

This article addresses work-family conflict as reported among women and men academic scientists in data systematically collected across fields of study in nine US research universities. Arguing that academic science is a particularly revealing case for studying work-family conflict, the article addresses: (1) the bi-directional conflict of work with family, and family with work, reported among the scientists; (2) the ways that higher, compared with lower, conflict, is predicted by key features of family, academic rank, and departments/institutions; and (3) patterns and predictors of work-family conflict that vary, as well as converge, by gender. Results point to notable differences, and commonalties, by gender, in factors affecting interference in both directions of work-family conflict reported by scientists. These findings have implications for understandings of how marriage and children, senior compared with junior academic rank, and departmental climates shape work-family conflict among women and men in US academic science.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Conflict, Psychological*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Employment / psychology*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Faculty*
  • Family Relations*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Science*
  • Sex Factors
  • United States
  • Universities