ABSTRACT
One of the bedrock assumptions of Western society is that there is a division of labor between the masculine sphere of paid work and the feminine sphere of domestic life (Acker, 1990; Bellah, Madsen, Sullivan, Swidler, & Tipton, 1985; Bradley, 1989; Parsons & Bales, 1955). In this chapter, I offer a theoretical perspective that uncovers some of the less visible assumptions underlying this historic separation of spheres and explore why integrating the two spheres would be beneficial not only for families and communities, but also for the quality and effectiveness of the workplace.
