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The Life Satisfaction of Dual-Earner Mothers and Fathers: Does Flexible Scheduling Matter?

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  • Krista Lynn Minnotte

    (University of North Dakota)

  • Michael C. Minnotte

    (University of North Dakota)

  • Krista Thompson

    (University of North Dakota)

Abstract

Work and family scholarship emphasizes flexible scheduling policies as a key solution to the challenges faced by workers navigating the work–family interface. Despite making life easier for workers, very little research has considered how such policies relate to life satisfaction, especially in terms of how gender comes into play. This study examines how both the availability of flexible scheduling options and the actual use of such policies are differentially related to the life satisfaction of dual-earner mothers and fathers. To address this research question, we use data from the National Study of the Changing Workforce conducted in the United States (N = 211 dual-earner fathers and 284 dual-earner mothers). Results show that flexible scheduling availability is unrelated to the life satisfaction of fathers and mothers. In contrast, flexible scheduling use is significantly and positively related to life satisfaction for dual-earner mothers, but negatively related to the life satisfaction of dual-earner fathers. Explanations for these findings are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Krista Lynn Minnotte & Michael C. Minnotte & Krista Thompson, 2016. "The Life Satisfaction of Dual-Earner Mothers and Fathers: Does Flexible Scheduling Matter?," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 17(6), pages 2365-2388, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:17:y:2016:i:6:d:10.1007_s10902-015-9698-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-015-9698-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    9. Krista Minnotte & Michael Minnotte & Jordan Bonstrom, 2015. "Work–Family Conflicts and Marital Satisfaction Among US Workers: Does Stress Amplification Matter?," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 36(1), pages 21-33, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Deniz Yucel & Krista Lynn Minnotte, 2017. "Workplace Support and Life Satisfaction: the Mediating Roles of Work-to-Family Conflict and Mental Health," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 12(3), pages 549-575, September.
    2. Dana Hamplová, 2019. "Does Work Make Mothers Happy?," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 471-497, February.
    3. Yu, Shuye & Postepska, Agnieszka, 2020. "Flexible Jobs Make Parents Happier: Evidence from Australia," IZA Discussion Papers 13700, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    4. María Navarro & Wiemer Salverda, 2019. "Earner Position and Job and Life Satisfaction: Do Contributions to the Household Income have the Same Effect by Gender and Occupations?," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(7), pages 2227-2250, October.

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