Journal of Families and Better Life (가정과삶의질연구)

Korean Home Management Association (가정과삶의질학회)
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Unmarried Workers Perceptions of Image and Work-Family Balancing Conditions of Dual-Earner Families

미혼 남·녀 근로자가 보는 맞벌이가정의 심상과 일·가정 양립조건

  • Received : 2013.05.20
  • Accepted : 2013.06.25
  • Published : 2013.08.30
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Abstract

This study analyzed qualitative data to examine the attitude toward the conditions of and the barriers to the work- family balance among unmarried workers. The data was drawn from 5 focus groups consisting of 4 workers each. The 20 participants, aged 21 through 38, were interviewed in mini groups composed of 2 male workers and 2 female workers each. The research depicts four main themes about their work-family balance: the image of a dual-earner family, women's market labor, housework, and the ideal conditions of a dual-earner family. This research concluded that unmarried workers desperately want to be part of a dual earning family for economic survival. However, they also know that it would be very difficult to make ends meet and to live as dual-earner families because of the lack of a proper social support system. However, most of them believe that they must solve these problems on their own, and they do not expect to receive help from systematic public policies. They think that they should find solutions by rearranging the role divisions between the husband and the wife or by asking for help from their parents or other relatives. The only assistance they expect from the government are reliable child care facilities and governmental incentives to promote stimulate the family-friendly workplace.

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