"The Three Faces of Work-Family Conflict"

A new report from the Center for American Progress reveals the disconnection between Americans’ widespread concern over work-family conflict and policymakers’ inability to pass legislation that addresses the issue. Analyzing data from the late 1970s to the late 2000s, the authors find that families across the economic spectrum experience work-family conflict but they experience it differently. Short-term and extended paid leave, greater workplace flexibility, freedom from discrimination, and high-quality, affordable child care emerge as shared needs across the spectrum of families, but an understanding of the specific conflicts faced by low- and middle-income and professional families is necessary for targeted, effective policy solutions. The authors identify ways to build a stronger coalition for policies that will support working families.

Policies to expand work supports.