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Life Satisfaction and Work–Life Balance: The Complexities of Gender Patterning

Author

Listed:
  • Rachel Brooks

    (University of Oxford, UK)

  • Jun Fu

    (The University of Melbourne, Australia)

  • Quentin Maire

    (The University of Melbourne, Australia)

Abstract

Conventionally, issues connected to work–life balance have been thought to concern women more than men – not least through the promotion of a strongly gendered discourse about the imperative to become a ‘balanced woman’. In this article, however, we draw on interview data from both men and women (in Australia, occupying broadly middle-class social positions) to show the complexities of gender patterning. Specifically, we demonstrate that the cultural imaginary of a ‘balanced life’ as route to life satisfaction was shared equally by the men and women in our sample. Moreover, men were as likely as women to point to the arrival of children as a key ‘fateful moment’ for re-evaluating their own work–life balance. However, gender disparities were evident in both the nature of change that was effected to achieve ‘balance’ and the associated expectations of partners. The article contributes to the gendered theorisation of work–life balance as a cultural norm in contemporary society.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel Brooks & Jun Fu & Quentin Maire, 2025. "Life Satisfaction and Work–Life Balance: The Complexities of Gender Patterning," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 30(3), pages 673-690, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:30:y:2025:i:3:p:673-690
    DOI: 10.1177/13607804241284807
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Samantha Evans & Madeleine Wyatt, 2023. "A Bridge over Troubled Borders: Social Class and the Interplay between Work and Life," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 37(1), pages 137-156, February.
    2. Hideo Noda, 2020. "Work–Life Balance and Life Satisfaction in OECD Countries: A Cross-Sectional Analysis," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(4), pages 1325-1348, April.
    3. Christopher Ambrey & Jennifer Ulichny & Christopher Fleming, 2017. "The Social Connectedness and Life Satisfaction Nexus: A Panel Data Analysis of Women in Australia," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(2), pages 1-32, April.
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