W096: Women’s constrained choices: How does it affect women?

Women's constrained choices: How does it affect women?

Approved: 2016

Collaborators:

Dr Melissa Johnstone
Prof Christina Lee
Prof Jayne Lucke

Synopsis

Given the impact that childbearing has on Australian women’s working careers, compared to women in other countries, there is a need to understand the extent to which women feel they are active agents in their work-family choices, and how important this is for their well-being. Through semi-structured interviews with a subsample of women, this research aims to understand how much women see themselves as active agents in their work-family decision making, the importance of agency for their well-being, and the relative influence of policy and other sociodemographic factors on life choices for women. This will advance knowledge in work-family literature, women’s life course development, and contribute to the evidence-base for policies that support the needs of women.