Are Perceived Differences for Junior and Senior Women Because of Struggle to Balance Career and Family?

Abstract

Because career stage is highly correlated with chronological age, junior women are more likely to face childbearing and caring issues and/or may be more likely to be trying to establish a satisfactory dual career situation in conjunction with their partner/spouse than are their senior colleagues. This chapter focuses on whether balancing career and family explains the perceived differences for junior and senior women. A quick interpretation of the responses might suggest that differences for junior and senior women scientists center on career-family balance. Closer examination reveals a more complex situation. Qualitative comments add the necessary dimension to understand that while balancing career and family contributes significantly to the perceived differences between junior and senior women, those are not the only issues that account for the differences.