Sociologický časopis / Czech Sociological Review 2009, 45(1): 31-60 | DOI: 10.13060/00380288.2009.45.1.03

Rodiče na trhu práce: mezi prací a péčí

Alena Křížková, Marta Vohlídalová

Sociologický ústav AV ČR, v. v. i., Praha

In this article the authors map the theoretical arguments on the gender dimension of the welfare state. They propose three integral dimensions of conceptualising the exercise of parenthood in Czech society in relation to gender equality in the labour market that co-determine the position of parents in the labour market. The authors analyse these dimensions using data from two representative sociological surveys. 1) The right to be a parent (to care for one's child) and the right to work: the measures provided in the Czech welfare state are based on the myth that there are two separate worlds of work and care in conformity with the gender principle, even though there are no significant differences between Czech men and women in terms of the value of work in their lives. 2) Equality or non-discrimination in parenthood: the right to work of mothers of young children is violated in the context of generally increasing gender inequalities in the labour market. 3) The opportunity to achieve a work/life balance: in Czech society flexible forms of employment are uncommon, working hours tend to have a fixed start and finish, or there is negative flexibility, which renders a work/life balance impossible. The way in which state policy defines and employers apply the conditions of parenthood in relation to the labour market and in the context of the gender structure of Czech society makes parenthood a significant handicap for the social inclusion of women who are mothers of young children in the Czech Republic.

Klíčová slova: gender equality, gender and labor market, work/life balance, parenthood, flexible forms of employment, Czech Republic.

Zveřejněno: 1. únor 2009  Zobrazit citaci