New Configurations of Work and Family
Dr JaneMaree Maher, Dr Jo Lindsay, A/Prof Anne Bardoel
The project goes beyond the public/private model that dominates contemporary Australian work/family research. It draws on new theorisations of family and work, and uses a sophisticated understanding of time management and the intersections between paid work and care. New Configurations focuses on women and men in gender segregated industries (nursing and construction); and the extent to which they are re-shaping work and family patterns. It will contribute important knowledge on changing work and family practices in the two industries, but will also provide a basis for development of effective and better targeted work/family social and employment policies. This is a joint project with researchers from the School of Political and Social Inquiry and ACREW at Monash University.
The project report, Flexibility and More?: Nurses Working and Caring outlines key findings on the issues faced by nursing families managing employment and care responsibilities.