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This article analyzes the challenges Finnish single mothers experienced in their everyday lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. In studies on challenges to family life during COVID-19 lockdowns, single-parent families remain a largely understudied group.

The authors apply triple bind theory and ask how did Finnish single mothers manage the interplay between inadequate resources, inadequate employment, and inadequate policies during lockdown in spring 2020? These data come from an online survey including both qualitative and quantitative questions which was conducted between April and May 2020 to gather Finnish families' experiences during lockdown. This analysis is based on the qualitative part of the survey.

This study's results show that lockdown created new inadequacies while also enhancing some old inadequacies in the lives of Finnish single mothers. During lockdown, single mothers faced policy- and resource-disappearances; accordingly, they lost their ability to do paid work normally. Furthermore, these disappearances endangered the well-being of some single mothers and their families.

This article contributes to the wider understanding of everyday lives of single mothers and the challenges COVID-19 pandemic created. Moreover, this study provides knowledge on the applicability of the triple bind theory when studying the everyday lives of single mothers.

The article explores to what extent party politics has influenced the different trajectories in Spain and Italy in terms of gendered active social policies (ASPs) (i.e. ALMPs and WLBPs). Second, it investigates how social and political modernization in the two countries has facilitated or hindered party competition on gendered ASPs.

To investigate to what extent parties support gendered ASPs, the article relies on an original content analysis of party manifestos issued during the 2010s national elections. A total of 1387 quasi-sentences have been coded. The results were then quantified to graphically show how positions differentiate across parties and countries.

The content analysis of party manifestos displays that party politics matters: gendered ASPs are backed in a very different way by the Spanish and Italian parties. While in Spain all political parties have strongly championed ALMPs and WLBPs, this is not the case for the Italian parties. The research has also stressed that the specific path of social and political modernization is an important intervening variable that alters positively or negatively parties' support for gendered ASPs.

The article contributes to widen theoretically and empirically the literature on ASPs in the Southern European countries. Theoretically, it questions the supposed homogeneity of the Southern social model and investigated the alleged bifurcation between Italy and Spain, focusing on those policies – ASPs – that constitute the foundations of the Southern model: familialism and dualization. Furthermore, this bifurcation was analyzed adopting a gender perspective, and exploring adherence to or departure from the Southern model. Third, the article focuses on the politics of ASPs demonstrating that inspecting the political arena can contribute to explain policy change.

In order to address the gender divide in technology entrepreneurship, we explore how different national contexts impact policies and policy implementation. We investigate how transnational concerns (macro level) about women’s low participation in (technology) entrepreneurship are translated and implemented amongst actors at the meso level (technology incubators) and understood at the micro level (women tech entrepreneurs).

We adopt gender institutionalism as a theoretical lens to understand what happens in the implementation of gender equality goals in technology entrepreneurship policy. We apply Gains and Lowndes’ (2014) conceptual framework to investigate the gendered character and effects of institutional formation. Four countries represent different levels of gender equality: high (Norway and Sweden), medium (Ireland) and low (Israel). An initial policy document analysis provides the macro level understanding (Heilbrunn et al., 2020). At the meso level, managers of technology business incubators (n = 3–5) in each country were interviewed. At the micro level, 10 female technology entrepreneurs in each country were interviewed. We use an inductive research approach, combined with thematic analysis.

Policies differ across the four countries, ranging from women-centred approaches to gender mainstreaming. Macro level policies are interpreted and implemented in different ways amongst actors at the meso level, who tend to act in line with given national policies. Actors at the micro level often understand gender equality in ways that reflect their national policies. However, women in all four countries share similar struggles with work-life balance and gendered expectations in relation to family responsibilities.

The contribution of our paper is to (1) entrepreneurship theory by applying gendered institutionalism theory to (tech) entrepreneurship, and (2) our findings clearly show that the gendered context matters for policy implementation.

This article aims to explore how Japanese women with younger children changed their commitment to the labour market between 2000 and 2019 by comparing mothers in three-generation and nuclear family households.

Japan currently has the highest ageing rate in the world at nearly 30%. Since the 1990s, employment flexibilization and women's labour market participation have proceeded in parallel, and the conservative family values of the patriarchy and gender division of labour that have provided intergenerational aid for care within households have been shrinking, by conducting a descriptive analysis of the Labour Force Survey (LFS).

This study identified that a conspicuous increase in part-time employment among mothers in both household types and a decrease by half in the working mother's population in three-generation households. These results suggest that the function of inter-generational assistance by multi-generation cohabitation, which was once thought to be effective in helping working mothers with younger children, is declining.

A study examining the transformation of mothers' employment behaviour differences between three-generation households and nuclear family households is rare. This paper makes a new contribution to the research regarding the grandparents' caregiving, household types and mothers' employment.

This paper addresses the issue of the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions within the information and communication technology (ICT) and engineering fields. The study examines the complex issue of vertical segregation and gender equality by exploring the barriers that women encounter and the potential coping strategies they adopt to advance in their careers.

The study employs a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 17 women at middle and upper management levels in the ICT and engineering sectors. This approach aims to better understand women's workplace experiences and gain deeper insights into the nature of the barriers they face.

The study identifies four main factors hindering women's progression toward senior management positions, namely working hours, work-family conflict, social role stereotypes and second-generation bias. The results also offer useful insights into the coping strategies adopted by women to overcome these barriers.

The study highlights the persisting underrepresentation of women in senior positions, indicating a societal and organizational lag in terms of inclusion and equity. It underscores the importance of developing effective policies to address the challenges faced by employees striving to balance their work and family commitments. Training is recognized as an important tool for raising awareness about gender stereotypes among employees and reducing second-generation bias.

This study provides valuable lessons derived from its findings, including potential strategies that organizations can implement to help women navigate and overcome workplace barriers in the ICT and engineering fields.

This present study sheds light on how these issues affect police officers’ personal and professional lives. This research looks at how family support (FS) and workplace pressures affect police effectiveness.

The analysis of the measurement and structural model was conducted using AMOS version 26. To ensure the accuracy of the results, a two-stage analysis methodology (Anderson and Gerbing, 1988) was used. The first stage involved testing the measurement model using various validity indicators such as confirmatory factor analysis, comparative fit index, goodness of fit index and Tucker–Lewis index to evaluate the incremental compatibility of the model. Root-mean-square approximation error and CMIN/DF were also used to further assess the model’s validity. In the second stage of the analysis, the structural model was estimated using structural equation modeling technique (Hair et al., 1998). The data obtained from the measurement model was then used to determine the fit indices. Because the values were consistent with the criterion values, the model was deemed to be a good fit.

The study conducted sheds light on the crucial role that work stressors (WS) and FS play in determining job satisfaction (JS) among nongazetted officers (NGOs) and other ranks (ORs) police officials in the state of Punjab, India. The findings suggest that there exists a complex interdependence between WS and FS, and their correlation with regards to work, family and children’s evaluations. The first hypothesis (H1, Table 4) was found to be true (0.440, p = 0.001), indicating that more than 44 % of the job performance of police officials in Punjab is affected by stressors related to work. The study also identified eight WS that have a significant impact on the performance of police officials on the job. On the other hand, FS was found to have no influence on the job performance of police officials in Punjab, and hence, the second hypothesis was rejected. Further analysis showed that FS was more prevalent among NGOs as compared to ORs police personnel, but it did not directly influence their job performance. The benefits of FS may be moderated by the nature of the job; hence, FS may be more critical in stressful jobs such as police work than in less stressful jobs. The study emphasizes the importance of balancing work and family demands and highlights the need for family-friendly policies to achieve this balance. Future research should focus on the types of policies that should be offered to lessen stress and conflict and examine the benefits of merely offering programs versus requiring or encouraging their usage. The findings of this study could be useful for policymakers and organizations in designing policies that promote employee well-being and JS while balancing work and family demands.

As with any research endeavor, it is essential to interpret the findings of this study while considering its limitations. First, the study relied on a convenience sample drawn solely from one nation, namely, India, which may restrict the generalizability of the results to other countries or cultural contexts. Furthermore, it is important to note that this study exclusively explored the causal relationship between monetary compensation, intrinsic motivation and employee performance, without delving into the nuances of various forms or qualities of FS (e.g. emotional support, instrumental support, perceived vs actual support) and their impact on job performance among police officers. Additionally, the research did not investigate whether the influence of FS on job performance varies based on the specific WS encountered by police officers. These limitations highlight potential avenues for future research to explore in greater depth.

To enhance the well-being and JS of police officers and their families, a comprehensive set of tailored interventions and support programs can be implemented. Recognizing the unique stressors faced by officers and introducing critical incident debriefing sessions and counseling services to provide a confidential space for emotional processing. Offering flexible scheduling, exploring remote work options and developing workshops and resource programs to address the needs of officers’ families, including stress management and communication skills. Strengthening parental leave policies, incorporating extended paid leave and clear communication, to alleviate stress during significant family events. Establishing peer support networks within police departments to provide officers with a valuable avenue for sharing experiences and coping strategies. Collectively, these interventions aim to create a supportive and family-friendly environment within the police force, ultimately fostering improved work-family balance and enhanced well-being for police personnel. To enhance the well-being and JS of police officers and their families, a comprehensive set of tailored interventions and support programs can be implemented. Recognizing the unique stressors faced by officers, critical incident debriefing sessions and counseling services should be introduced to provide a confidential space for emotional processing. Given the demanding nature of police work, exploring flexible schedules and remote work options can assist officers in achieving a better work-life balance, particularly when dealing with family-related challenges. Workshops and resource programs specifically addressing the needs of officers’ families, including stress management and communication skills, can be developed to strengthen family connections. Strengthening parental leave policies, incorporating extended paid leave and clear communication, can alleviate stress during significant family events. Establishing peer support networks within police departments provides officers with a valuable avenue for sharing experiences and coping strategies. Regular mental health check-ins and screenings, as well as financial education workshops, acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by officers and their families. Community engagement and recognition initiatives, along with specialized training on work-family balance, can foster positive morale. Finally, the establishment of a crisis intervention and FS hotline serves as a vital lifeline during critical situations, ensuring immediate assistance and resources for officers and their families in times of need. Collectively, these interventions aim to create a supportive and family-friendly environment within the police force.

The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of occupational demands and familial support on the overall happiness levels of police officers stationed in Punjab, India. The research underscores the crucial importance of implementing family-friendly policies aimed at achieving a harmonious equilibrium between professional responsibilities and family life commitments. The findings unveil a multifaceted interconnection between occupational stress, familial support systems and individual assessments concerning career fulfillment, domestic life and parental responsibilities. Moreover, the study sheds light on various family-friendly initiatives, such as empowerment strategies and recognition programs, that have the potential to augment JS among police personnel. Furthermore, it suggests that future investigations delve deeper into the efficacy of implementing voluntary programs rather than mandating or promoting their usage in mitigating stress and resolving familial conflicts. The study establishes a clear correlation between JS, overall well-being and the interplay between occupational demands and familial encouragement. Policymakers and corporate entities are urged to take cognizance of these factors while formulating strategies aimed at enhancing the health and contentment levels of employees in the workplace. Additionally, the study underscores the significance of cultural factors, emphasizing the need to consider them in future research endeavors and policy formulations. Cultural factors such as societal norms, values and expectations can influence the way that police personnel perceive and use FS, as well as the impact that FS has on their job performance. By conducting cross-cultural studies, researchers can gain insights into how the relationship between FS and job performance may vary across different cultural contexts. This can help to identify universal factors as well as culturally specific influences on the interplay between FS and job performance among police personnel. Furthermore, investigating the impact of FS on job performance in diverse cultural contexts can contribute to the development of culturally sensitive support programs and policies for police officers. Understanding how cultural factors shape the experiences of police personnel and their families can inform the design of interventions that are tailored to the specific needs and challenges present in different cultural settings. In summary, expanding the research scope to include diverse cultural contexts can enhance the generalizability of the findings and contribute to the development of culturally sensitive support programs and policies for police officers.

The content of this paper is entirely original and has not been derived from any other published or unpublished documents. It has been created solely for the purpose of providing new and unique information for the readers.

This study investigates how older women linguists' careers developed and led to self-employment, and this not necessarily in a linear career stage fashion. The focus is on understanding the factors that influence older women to become or continue into an entrepreneurship lifestyle, beyond economic reasons.

The research questions that guided this research are: (1) How have women linguists' careers developed at older or older old age? and (2) Which factors influenced women linguists' decision to become or continue as self-employed at older or older old age? This study is based on semi-structure interviews and short narratives written by ten informants about their late-career motivations and decisions. To get a holistic view of career development of women linguistics at an older age, the approach adopted in this study is explorative and interpretive, where the theoretical perspective supporting this approach derives mainly from career and wellbeing theories.

The authors’ findings signal that these self-employed older women's careers develop along parallel, explorative or expertise directions. The factors which appear to influence these women's decision to continue their careers as entrepreneurs include economic reasons (having), clearly. They also importantly point to other themes surrounding wellbeing including social relations (loving), self-realization and lifelong learning (being), entrepreneurship as a life style (acting) and meaningful extension of one's career (belonging).

This paper discusses how older women entrepreneurs may experience wellbeing and careers integrated together. It challenges the common notion of “career” as a one-time, linear “choice”, and instead shows how older women's entrepreneurship is a complex phenomenon.

This paper aims to assess the design of national-level flexible work arrangement (FWA) policies, evaluating their potential to serve as an effective resource for employees to work flexibly depending on how they set the stage for flexibility claims that will be subject to industrial and workplace dynamics.

Using a capability approach, the authors conceptualize and operationalize two aspects of FWA policy design, namely accessibility and availability. The authors' analysis allows for an understanding of how the availability and accessibility of national FWA policies explicitly and implicitly restrict or facilitate flexible working in a structural manner. The study focuses on countries with differing working time regimes and gender norms on work and care: the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia.

The authors' findings highlight how FWA accessibility is broader when national policy is specified and FWA availability is not conditional to care. In Spain and Slovenia, access to FWAs depends on whether employees have care responsibilities, which reduces accessibility and reinforces gender imbalances in care provision. In contrast, the Netherlands provides FWAs universally, resulting in wider availability and accessibility of FWAs for employees regardless of their care responsibilities. Despite this universal provision, gender imbalances remain.

The originality of this paper lies in its conceptualization and operationalization of FWAs at the national level using a capability approach. The study adds to the existing literature on flexible working and provides insights for policymakers to design more effective FWAs.

Structural mentoring barriers are policies, practices and cultural norms that collectively disadvantage marginalized groups and perpetuate disparities in mentoring. This study aims to better understand structural mentoring barriers at the postdoctoral training stage, which has a direct impact on faculty diversity and national efforts to retain underrepresented groups in research careers.

A diverse sample of postdoctoral scholars (“postdocs”) from across the USA were asked to participate in focus groups to discuss their training experiences. The authors conducted five 90-min focus groups with 32 biomedical postdocs, including 20 (63%) women and 15 (47%) individuals from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups (URG).

A social-ecological framework was used to categorize both the upstream and downstream manifestations of structural mentoring barriers, as well as mentoring barriers, overall. Notable structural barriers included: academic politics and scientific hierarchy; inequalities resulting from mentor prestige; the (over) reliance on one mentor; the lack of formal training for academic and non-academic careers; and the lack of institutional diversity and institutional mentor training. To overcome these barriers, postdocs strongly encouraged developing a network or team of mentors and recommended institutional interventions that create more comprehensive professional development, mentorship and belonging.

For postdoctoral scientists, structural mentoring barriers can permeate down to institutional, interpersonal and individual levels, impeding a successful transition to an independent research career. This work provides strong evidence for promoting mentorship networks and cultivating a “mentoring milieu” that fosters a supportive community and a strong culture of mentorship at all levels.

This study was undertaken to discover working public thoughts about roles of United States women in leadership positions and to test the relationship between managerial leadership styles and organizational effectiveness. A survey of perceptions of leadership roles and effectiveness distributed 700 randomly selected entities from industries in the United States. Findings suggest approximately 50% of women leaders perceive barriers that prevent women for entering management positions and lower advancement rates for women. This study shows that aspiration in women exists whether or not they take action and motivate themselves to advance for top management positions. However, barriers like discrimination, family-life demands, prejudice, and stereotyping result in fruitlessness in many cases. The majority of women and men felt education and training could increase the preparedness of women for leadership roles. Respondents expressed overwhelming support for a participative leadership style. A positive association existed between participative leadership style and organizational effectiveness.