Abstract
Can flexible working enhance gender equality both at home and in the labour market? This chapter examines whether flexible working can promote gender equality both in the labour market and at home, drawing on empirical studies from around the world. Flexible working arrangements can potentially eliminate gender disparities in the labour market by removing barriers that women face. However, women who work flexibly may encounter negative career consequences due to the flexibility stigma, which may affect them more than men. Additionally, women can feel compelled to take on more domestic work and childcare when working flexibly, reinforcing stereotypes managers hold about women's roles and limiting their access to flexible work arrangements. Nevertheless, as this chapter explains, changes in gender norms and other societal structures can be made so that flexible working results in a more positive outcome for gender equality in the future.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Research Handbook on the Sociology of Gender |
| Publisher | Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd |
| Pages | 190-202 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781802206692 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781802206685 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2024 |
Keywords
- Flexibility stigma
- Flexible working
- Gender equality
- Gender roles
- Social norms
