Purpose – Attention on the issue of individual level conflict between work and life roles remains a feature of
studies on work-life balance. However, few studies have examined gender differences in the work-to-life
conflict (WLC) and the life-to-work conflict (LWC) over a given period in Spain. The purpose of this paper is to
address this gap in the literature.
Design/methodology/approach – This research uses a two-wave (2009–2014) sample of working
employees with children from an industrial sector in Spain.
Findings – The 2009 results showed no gender differences in WLC; however, women experienced LWC
significantly more than men. Conversely, the 2014 results showed more men suffered WLC and no gender
differences were found for LWC.
Research limitations/implications – One limitation is that we do not know if the same respondents
answered the questionnaires in both time periods. Second, we did not analyse the inter-role conflict
experienced by childless or single employees. Finally, and as stated before, findings may not be generalisable
to other countries or sectors of activities.
Social implications – Our findings are discussed in the context of the economic crisis, the labour market
and family co-responsibility in Spanish society.
Originality/value – Few studies have explored gender differences on inter-role conflict at two time points,
and helps to identify key findings in terms of co-responsibility. Furthermore, this research is conducted in
Spain, which is under-researched in WLB terms. The paper also identifies two distinct constructs of the
inter-role conflict.
History
Publication
Employee Relations; 42 (2), pp. 437-452
Publisher
Emerald
Note
peer-reviewed
Rights
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