Work-Family Interface for Same-Sex, Dual-Earner Couples: Implications for Counselors

Abstract

The author highlights information for career counselors to consider when addressing work-family interface with individuals who are members of same-sex, dual-earner couples or families. D. E. Super's (1990) life-span, life-space theory is the framework used to organize the literature review and discussion of current trends. Issues related to the roles of worker, partner, parent, stepparent, and caregiver are discussed. Suggestions are provided for career counselors. A significant amount of research has been devoted to the study of workfamily interface (for a review, see Perry-Jenkins, Repetti, & Crouter, 2000). The majority of this research has focused on heterosexual dual-earner couples. Although they share some similar experiences with heterosexual, dual-earner couples, same-sex, dual-earner couples encounter additional obstacles and have unique advantages over heterosexual dual-earner couples. The focus of this article is on issues for career counselors to consider when counseling individuals who are members of same-sex, dual-earner couples. Current trends in the workplace are analyzed in relation to counseling with this population, and some potentially useful theoretical approaches and counseling strategies are discussed. Super's (1990) life-span, life-space theory emphasizes the importance of implementing one's self-concept through a combination of life roles. The work role is addressed in the context of other life roles. Individuals experience varying degrees of participation in, valuing of, and commitment to these roles (Super, 1990). In this article, the roles of worker, partner, parent, stepparent, and caregiver for individuals within same-sex, dual-earner couples are discussed. If career counselors can help these individuals learn to combine work and family roles in productive and satisfying ways, counselors have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life significantly. The Work Role In recent years, dramatic workplace changes, such as widespread downsizing and large plant closures, have threatened job security for millions of workers (Crouter & Manke, 1994), and the rate of involuntary job loss has been increasing (Attewell, 1999). Employees who lose their job as a result of downsizing may need to retrain for different jobs, relocate to other geographic locations, or learn to cope with being forced into unemployment. Employees who remain in an organization after major downsizing has occurred often have increased workloads because they must assume responsibility for some of the work that had previously been done by workers who were let go, resulting in job stress and decreased workplace morale. Approximately 30% of displaced workers may be unemployed for a year or more (Attewell, 1999). Longer unemployment can lead to decreased salaries and greater chances of future job displacements (Attewell, 1999) as well as to lower self-esteem. Career counselors must help individuals define their work role in these uncertain and unpredictable times. Counselors can encourage clients to develop a broad range of transferable skills and to keep skills current through continuing education and training. Counselors can also help clients who have lost their jobs learn to cope with the stress of this event and transition toward new positions. Career counselors are also increasingly called on to help clients make career decisions within the context of their family roles as well as in the context of their other major life roles. Members of same-sex, dual-earner couples face additional challenges in this volatile work environment. In most cases, insurance covers only the employed individual and not the family members of same-sex couples. Thus, if one partner loses a job, he or she cannot rely on the other partner's insurance benefits. The financial burden of paying for health care compounds the hardship caused by loss of wages. Another economic issue discussed by Fassinger (1995) is that women's earnings remain consistently lower than men's, and lesbian couples are more likely to have children living with them than are gay male couples. …