Dual-earner parents and family cohesion: A resources and demands approach to examining the contagion of work into family life

Abstract

We combine two theoretical perspectives – differential salience and contagion theory – to examine family cohesion and its relationships to work resources and demands. Data come from a survey of dual-earner parenting couples (N = 104), with responses from both spouses. Thus, we have access to two views of the same family and information about both spouses’ work. We find differences and similarities in the spillover (e.g. a wife’s work influences her family experiences) and crossover (e.g. a wife’s work influences her husband’s family experiences) of work into family life for parents. Mothers’ job satisfaction is associated with family cohesion for both mothers (spillover) and fathers (crossover). The perceived negative impact of partner’s work on relationships with children is a significant predictor of both parents’ family cohesion (crossover). Results point to the importance of satisfying work that allows parents to nurture relationships with children and workplace policies supporting the family.