The impact of children on the household division of labour and labour force participation: An empirical test of a conceptual framework

This thesis argues that the introduction of children into a relationship often precipitates a task-demand crisis which results in the household division of labour shifting toward more traditional patterns of behaviour. This shift not only overburdens the female role from a task standpoint; it also reduces the perceived legitimacy of her labour force participation. These inequities are supported and reinforced by traditional gender-role beliefs that reflect both prior socialization of the individuals involved and the effects of values and expectations embedded in the current societal structure.;Putting the child at the centre of research linking attitudes about appropriate household division of labour and behavioural outcomes in the home and workplace can assist us in explaining the strength of traditional patriarchal attitudes and behaviours. Given the resulting negative impact of these behaviours on woman's career opportunities, the thesis concludes with a discussion of policy alternatives which might limit the impact of the task-demand crisis, and move societal expectations away from traditional models. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).