Women, work and family in Britain and Germany

Many working women have to face a serious conflict between the demands of their work and the demands of family life. Changing perceptions about the role of women are making this conflict even more complicated Innovative work patterns are needed to alleviate this conflict. This book, based on extensive original research, examines how working women manage the 'balancing act' between family and work. It considers their attitudes to work, to their families and to their managers and fellow workers and it explores the role of trade unions, employers and the state. By drawing on data gathered in different countries and in different 'styles' of working environment it contrasts differing responses to the same basic conflict.
This report is based on a study of 'Time Management at Work and at Home' conducted jointly by British researchers from the University of Sussex and German researchers from the Deutsches Jugendinstitut Munchen (German Youth Institute, Munich). The bulk of the research expenditure was met by a grant from the Anglo-German Foundation, which we gratefully acknowledge. We are particularly indebted to Ms. Barbara Beck, Secretary General, and Dr. Hans Wiener, Projects Director of the Foundation, for their unflagging interest in our studies. and the continuous encouragement they have given us.