Husbands' involvement in female gender-typed household chores

Using data from the National Survey of Children (sample is 89% White, 9% Black, 2% Hispanic or other), this paper examines levels and correlates of husbands' involvement in traditionally female household chores. Analyses reveal that the vast majority of wives assume primary responsibility for these daily and non-daily tasks. Only about one-fifth of husbands are involved fully in these activities. OLS and logistic regression models show that structural and ideational variables with respect to women are the strongest predictors of men's involvement. Resource, time availability, socialization, and life course models of husbands' household labor all garner significant support, and family process is a significant factor as well. This study demonstrates important interactive effects between predictors, thus suggesting the need for synthesizing various theoretical perspectives on the household division of labor.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45606/1/11199_2005_Article_BF01544202.pd

The evolution of fetal protection policies

This article examines the evolution of fetal protection policies (FPPs) by detailing their historical legacy and a range of contemporary social forces that have contributed to their maintenance. It is based on a case study of the 1977 U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hearings to revise the industrial lead standard, the 1991 U.S. Supreme Court decision that such policies are unconstitutional ( United Auto Workers v. Johnson Controls , 1991), and the case law preceding that decision. A primary issue is the notion that women and fetuses are disproportionately susceptible to lead. This study reveals the ways in which this belief is framed, disputed, and appropriated by various parties to the fetal protection policy debate. Implications of this case study for family health policy are also discussed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44656/1/10834_2006_Article_BF02353687.pd

Gender Differences in Parent-Child Relations

This article uses longitudinal data from the National Survey of Children to examine parent-child relationships in middle childhood and early adolescence. It analyzes parental nurturance, closeness, discipline, and authoritativeness by gender of parent and child. Logistic and OLS regression models of supportive parenting are also presented. Fathers are much more involved with sons and tend to concentrate on more instrumental facets of support, whereas mothers tend to be more supportive across genders in the traditional, affective sense. Results also suggest that children's, mother's, and couple/spouse's characteristics are robust predictors of supportive parenting. Fathers' traits are related only to relations with daughters. This article specifies further theoretical and substantive implications such as the relative influence of formal versus informal marital power and the distinction between child rearing and housework in examining the household division of labor. It also suggests areas for future research, including the implications of parent-child relations for marital and sibling relations.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66938/2/10.1177_019251394015001007.pd

Book Reviews

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66970/2/10.1177_089124393007004012.pd

The Evolution of Workplace Family Policy Research

This article integrates and analyzes research on workplace family policy and suggests areas for further inquiry. It highlights salient themes such as corporate culture, gender and class differences regarding support for policies, and the role of government. A theoretical framework for understanding barriers to progressive family policies in the workplace is articulated that identifies competing social, cultural, and psychological forces. Thus the article delineates factors that support and circumvent creation and successful implementation of workfamily policies. In so doing, it specifies reasons for employer and employee resistance to progressive gender roles. Although future research might elaborate more systematically the relative tenacity of and intersections between various barriers to progressive policy, it also needs to evaluate on a larger scale and with greater precision the costs and benefits of traditional versus progressive programs. These and other issues figure prominently in a research agenda for the 1990s.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/67342/2/10.1177_019251392013003001.pd

The Feminization of Poverty in the United States

This article delineates the contribution of gender, race, ethnicity, marital, and parental status to the feminization of poverty. Its analysis of recent published and unpublished census data suggests that gender, race, and ethnicity strongly affect poverty rates. However, parenthood interacts with gender in such a way as to affect only women and to affect White women more than Blacks and Hispanics. By examining these sources of poverty separately, the authors articulate more clearly the forces that have generated rapid feminization of poverty. They also specify trends across White, Black, Puerto Rican, Mexican American, and other Hispanic populations as well as preschool and school-age children in female-householder families. The analysis takes into account a range of factors that have contributed significantly to women's poverty. It also evaluates competing arguments regarding public policies that best alleviate the problem.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/67307/2/10.1177_019251394015004005.pd