Human Ecology Research

The Korean Home Economics Association (대한가정학회)
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A Phenomenological Study on the Work-Family Compatibility of Dual-Earner Families

맞벌이가족의 일-가정 양립에 관한 현상학적 연구

  • Kim, Seunghee (Department of Early Childhood Education, Gwangju University) ;
  • Kim, Seonmi (Department of Family Welfare, Gwangju University)
  • 김승희 (광주대학교 유아교육과) ;
  • 김선미 (광주대학교 사회복지학부 가족복지전공)
  • Received : 2013.03.06
  • Accepted : 2013.05.07
  • Published : 2013.06.30
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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the nature of work-family compatibility in the everyday experiences of dual-earner families. By comprehensively describing how dual-earner families manage daily life, this study shows their current situations. In particular, this study overcomes the limitations of previous studies using the phenomenological research methods. Previous studies partially dealt with the problems of dual-earner couples, such as the role conflict of wives and husbands. However, this study broadly demonstrates how wives and husbands as independent individuals manage their lives by working together for a living. Participants were 6 males and 6 females, who lived in Gwangju metropolitan city. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using the method of Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen in Moustakas (1994). The results of this study display that dual-earner couples work for a living, but work is the driving force in their life. Family provides dual-earner couples with a stable life, but their stable life is possible by social support like the assistance of a mother-in-law. Dual-earner couples consider work and family as the essential axis of life, thus they give the same value on work and family. Even though dual-earner couples have a difficult time educating their children because of long working hours and coming home late, they positively combine work and family meeting the needs of self-improvement. Therefore, it is necessary to create a working environment that provides enough time for housework and childcare.

Keywords

References

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