Work-Lifestyle Choices in the 21st Century: Preference Theory

Work-Lifestyle Choices in the 21st Century: Preference Theory

by Catherine Hakim (Author)

Synopsis

In this book, Hakim presents a new, multi-disciplinary theory for explaining and predicting current and future patterns of women's choice between employment and family work. Preference theory is the first theory developed specifically to explain women's behaviour and choices. As such, it constitutes a major break from male-centred theorizing to date in sociology and economics. Preference theory is grounded on the substantial body of new research on women's work and fertility that has flourished within feminist scholarship. It identifies five major historical changes that collectively are producing a qualitatively new scenario for women in prosperous societies in the 21st century. Throughout the analysis, the USA and Britain illustrate what the new scenario means for women, how it alters their preferences and work-lifestyles choices. Hakim also reviews research evidence on contemporary developments across Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the far East to develop a new theory that is genuine international in perspective.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 360
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 02 Nov 2000

ISBN 10: 0199242100
ISBN 13: 9780199242108

Media Reviews
A compelling book, original in its approach and its theoretical development ... An important contribution of Work-Lifestyle Choices in the 21st Century comes in the consideration Hakim gives to the implications of preference theory for the impact of public policies on women's (and men's) choices about employment, family, and the combination of the two. * Population and Development Review *
As a description of the range of women's different orientations to paid employment, 'Preference Theory' is both plausible and persuasive ... there is a great deal in this book, both in terms of empirical evidence and discussion of methodological issues, and it repays careful reading, even for those who may profoundly disagree with its central arguments. * British Journal of Sociology *
An interesting book ... she [Hakim] does focus on an increasingly important issue, which will exercise policy-makers in the years ahead. * Robert Taylor, Financial Times *
Author Bio
Catherine Hakim, Senior Research Fellow, London School of Economics