If knowledge is power, then we better start reading!
There are so many important books about work and family these days, we want to share our favorites with you in case you’re wondering where to dive in. If you’ve got a favorite that you think we should include on our list, let us know — just email lisa@familyforwardoregon.org. Happy reading!
Featured Book for Fall 2013:
Reshaping the Work-Family Debate: Why Men and Class Matter, by Joan C. Williams
“In her brilliantly insightful new book, Reshaping the Work-Family Debate: Why Men and Class Matter, Joan C. Williams suggests that in order to finish the stalled gender revolution it will be necessary to incorporate both men and class into discussions of work-family conflict. Williams writes beautifully and one of the many strengths of the book is her ability to synthesize massive amounts of disparate research from the law, sociology, psychology and politics, and turn them into one compelling case for change…This book will join Williams’ first, Unbending Gender, as a key piece in the canon of work-family scholarship. It is essential reading for all work-family scholars across a wide range of disciplines…It should be added to the pantheon of other contemporary gender scholarship that has moved the work-family debate forward…It is my hope that it will also prove to be essential reading for politicians seeking progressive solutions. (Sarah Damaske Sex Roles 2011-03-04)
The most engaging and thought provoking portions of the book are those focused on understanding how masculinized workplace social norms are restrictive to both men and women and the fact that such norms are reflective of the devaluing of caretaking in our society. In doing so, Williams helps to place societal discussions of work-family into a broader context, thereby highlighting the crucial roles played by larger social forces (such as the structure of workplace organizations and gender norms) in shaping the work-family decisions made by men and women…Williams’ commitment to effecting real change in work-family policy is refreshing, and she does place needed emphasis on social class and concrete political strategies. Readers of Reshaping the Work-Family Debate will not only be encouraged to think about work-family issues differently, but will also be impressed with Williams’ dedication to the coalition building she views as necessary to bring about meaningful social change that allows everyone to lead healthier, more balanced lives (Krista Lynn Minnotte Teachers College Record 2011-02-15)
Williams is eloquent on the stresses created for both men and women by a workplace culture that relies on the old image of the hard-working, always available husband and the stay-at-home wife. She unmasks the fact that women do not drop out of the workplace, as the media often claim, but rather are pushed. (Jean Hardisty Women’s Review of Books 2011-07-01).”