WORK AND FAMILY: ISSUES FOR THE 1990S

As an increasing number of women enter the workforce, the traditional boundaries between work and family become less defined. The two important directions for dealing with this new phenomenon are further research and development of family‐oriented policies by government and corporations. New research involves the use of longitudinal studies and more refined definitions of work and family variables. The focus of the policies, in response to the issues of work and family, revolves around family leave, child and dependent care programmes, flexible work schedules and other assistance. Though there has been some momentum by governments and corporations, much progress is needed in the 1990s to develop more effective policies and to overcome attitudes as the impact of women in the workforce becomes more prominent.