Motherhood, paid work and partnering: Values and theories.
Duncan, Simon Edwards, R. Reynolds, T. Alldred, P.
Duncan, Simon
Edwards, R.
Reynolds, T.
Alldred, P.
Publication Date
2003
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
Accepted for publication
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Collections
Additional title
Abstract
The male breadwinner model, which dominated both policy assumptions and social ideals in the post-war welfare state, is increasingly being supplanted by an adult worker family model. In this new model, both men and women are assumed to be primarily workers in the labour market, who as fathers and mothers pool their earned income in supporting children. In this article we assess this assumption. First, we examine the gendered moral rationalities of particular social groups of partnered mothers, defined in terms of class, conventionality, ethnicity and sexuality, about how mothering is combined with paid work, and how time and labour is allocated with their partners. Second, in the light of this empirical research, we examine three leading approaches to understanding change and decision making in families - new household economics, individualization in late modernity, and `post-modern moral negotiation'. We conclude that both the empirical and theoretical assumptions of the adult worker model are severely limited.
Version
not applicable paper
Citation
Duncan, S., Edwards, R., Reynolds, T. and Alldred, P. (2003). Motherhood, paid work and partnering: Values and theories. Work Employment & Society. Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 309-330.
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Article