Gender and the relative centrality of major life domains: changes over the course of time

ISSN： 1469-3615

Source： Community, Work & Family, Vol.14, Iss.1, 2011-02, pp. : 57-62

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Abstract

The current preliminary research presents initial findings of a cross-sectional study between 1981 and 2006. This is follow-up research regarding 'meaning of work' studies held in 1981 and 1993 and examines the changes of relative centrality of major life domains (work, family, leisure, community and religion) in Israel according to gender. The participants are representative samples of the Israeli labor force in 1981, 1993 and 2006. The results indicate that, as in the past, family centrality is higher among women than among men. While in 1981 and 1993 men showed a higher work centrality than women, in 2006 no traditional gender differences were found in work centrality. Moreover, only in 2006 community and religion are regarded more important among men than among women. The paper discusses the main changes taking place and suggests some explanations.