Work–family planning and gender role attitudes among youth

Abstract

The present study investigated work–family planning and gender role attitudes among Japanese youth. Valid data were obtained from 948 tertiary students having an average age of 19.60 (SD = 1.18). The results showed that most males planned to continue their work, while more than half of the females planned to quit on childbirth. As for time allocation plans, the results reinforced traditional tendencies; with males allocating more time for paid work and leisure, while females allocated more time for household work and childcare. Examination of the relationships between gender role attitudes and work–family planning revealed that females with liberal attitudes are more willing to be involved in the workforce. The relationships between gender role attitudes and time allocation identified by the study showed that people with liberal attitudes also have more balanced time allocation plans about work–family interaction than those without. Implications for education and intervention were discussed.

Keywords

• Youth
• gender role attitudes
• career plan
• work–life balance
• time allocation