A Study of the Relation between Work and Family Life of Russian and American Flight Attendants

Abstract

Work and family life are a perennial dilemma facing women workers, and difficulties in reconciling family life and work remain a burning issue both in research and in life. It is particularly important for women employed in professions that can lead to chaos in family life, namely, professions implying inflexible work schedules, night shifts and frequent business trips. These aspects impose limits on the development of lives and communication with family members. The working practices of flight attendants clearly demonstrate the whole range of contradictions between family life and work. The article is based on the empirical research studies conducted in Russia (2016, according to E. Tarasova) and the USA (1979, according to Kanter R. Moss). A comparative analysis determined the degree to which the relation between work and family life remains a concern for women today compared to the situation forty years previously. The sexual revolution and changes in gender stereotypes have modified the character of women’s employment and, consequently, the way in which the profession of a flight attendant is perceived today. Back in the 1970s, this profession imposed more restrictions on the flight attendants’ family life than it does today. Resulting from the above-mentioned factors, changes were made in the social policies of air companies and the benefit system was introduced, which provided conditions that made it easier for workers to be involved in their family life without detriment to their career progress.

Keywords

• flight attendants
• air hostess
• family roles
• role conflict
• family
• female profession
• job satisfaction
• satisfaction with family life