Employed Mothers and the Work-Family Interface: Does Family Structure Matter?

Abstract

Differences in the experience of work-family (W-F) issues between employed single and married mothers were investigated among women in lower level (Study 1) and higher level (Study 2) occupations. Few differences were found. For both single and married mothers in lower level occupations, higher organizational and supervisor support and greater use of formal policies were related to lower work interference with family (WIF) and higher family and job satisfaction. For women in higher level occupations, results depended upon marital status, family demands and income. Married women with lower family demands and higher incomes reported less informal support, but were more satisfied with formal W-F policies and rated them as more important. This was related to higher WIF, but lower family interference with work (FIW), and higher job and family satisfaction.