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German Parents Attaining Intrapersonal Work-Family Balance While Implementing the 50/50-Split-Model with Their Partners

Author

Listed:
  • Ronja Schaber

    (Technische Universität Dresden)

  • Tirza Patella

    (Technische Universität Dresden)

  • Josefine Simm

    (Technische Universität Dresden)

  • Susan Garthus-Niegel

    (Technische Universität Dresden
    Medical School Hamburg
    Norwegian Institute of Public Health)

Abstract

Work-family balance (WFB) is attained if parents combine work and family roles aligned with their values. For an egalitarian parent aiming to implement a 50/50-split-model, this means sharing paid work, childcare, and housework equally with their partner (involvement balance), performing well in all roles (effective balance), while having positive emotions (emotional balance). This is difficult since work and family are competing for time and attention. Therefore, this article presents resources which can help parents attain WFB within a 50/50-split-model. Quantitative data of n = 1036 couples participating in the Dresden Study on Parenting, Work, and Mental Health (DREAM) were used to calculate the implementation rate of the 50/50-split-model at 14 months postpartum. Quantitative DREAM data were screened to purposively select n = 25 participants implementing a 50/50-split-model for the qualitative study DREAMTALK. Problem-centered interviews were conducted and analyzed via qualitative content analysis. Quantitative results showed a 50/50-split-model implementation rate of 3.8–17.5% among German parents. Qualitative results revealed 14 individual- and eight macro-level resources to facilitate WFB within a 50/50-split-model. Individual-level examples are acknowledging benefits of childcare assistance, segmentation from paid work and controversially, in other situations, integration of paid work and family. Macro-level examples are availability of childcare assistance, of solo paternal leave, paid work

Suggested Citation

  • Ronja Schaber & Tirza Patella & Josefine Simm & Susan Garthus-Niegel, 2025. "German Parents Attaining Intrapersonal Work-Family Balance While Implementing the 50/50-Split-Model with Their Partners," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 46(1), pages 259-276, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jfamec:v:46:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10834-024-09989-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10834-024-09989-1
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