Sex, Gender Dynamics, Differential Exposure, and Work-Family Conflict

This study tested a differential exposure explanation of the association between sex categories and work-family conflict. It addresses the question of why men and women may experience similar or dissimilar levels of work-family conflict and tests whether differences are due to their different gendered demands and resources. Drawing from a sample of 1,751 employed adults from 63 workplaces, the results suggest that women spend less time in paid employment than do men; a gendered response that is associated with lower work-to-family conflict, but higher family-to-work conflict. Women were also found to be less involved in irregular work schedules, which is associated with lower work-to-family conflict. The differential exposure explanation was also supported by indirect effects involving commute time, family income, and social support outside work.