4 Institutions, Inequality, and Support Free Online FlashCards

How did the share of U.S. married-couple households change from 1970 to 2022?

Married-couple households made up $47\%$ of U.S. households in 2022, down from $71\%$ in 1970.

What is work-family conflict, and how can it run in both directions?

Work-family conflict occurs when work demands collide with caregiving needs. Care can interrupt paid work, and work can limit time or attention available for care.

What workplace supports can ease work-family conflict?

Flexible scheduling, predictable hours, feasible remote work, paid leave, and supportive supervisors can reduce work-family conflict.

How many people provided unpaid eldercare in the United States in 2023–2024?

In 2023–2024, 38.2 million people in the United States provided unpaid eldercare; $55\%$ were women.

What leave does the FMLA provide to eligible, covered workers?

Eligible workers covered by the FMLA may take up to 12 workweeks of job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.

What is the purpose of child-care subsidies?

Child-care subsidies can help eligible low-income families afford care so parents can work, study, or train.

What resources can help a family manage caregiving?

They include income and savings, reliable child or elder care, paid leave, health, transportation, and available relatives or friends.

What share of U.S. family households had three or more generations in 2020?

In 2020, $7.2\%$ of U.S. family households included three or more generations. Living together may enable mutual help and shared expenses, but can also involve care responsibilities.

What work adjustment was women more likely than men to make for family obligations?

Women were more likely than men to work part time because of child-care problems or other family or personal obligations. Reduced paid work can mean lower earnings and fewer work opportunities.

What do changing household arrangements mean for caregiving?

Care is organized across a wider range of household arrangements, and many people also care for relatives who live elsewhere.

Which workplace demands can intensify work-family conflict?

Fixed shifts, long hours, work travel, and little control over scheduling can make it harder to meet caregiving needs.

Why may FMLA job protection provide limited practical support?

FMLA leave is unpaid, and eligibility rules exclude some workers. Lost wages or ineligibility can therefore limit the practical support it provides.