New research debunks the widely held view that working mothers are benefiting from flexible schedules. In fact, working mothers are having a harder time than ever balancing the needs of their careers and families.
According to a study by University of Vermont Economist, Elaine McCrate, most flexible-schedule benefits seem to go to well-compensated men. "What I found in my study was that working women and working mothers in particular are the least likely to have flexible schedules," says Ms. McCrate. In addition, the author of "Working Mothers in a Double Bind" says professionals who get to select when they start and finish work generally earn more than those who must stick to rigid hours. Ms. McCrate says women professionals in the U.S. would benefit from the kind of laws that exist in Europe, where a minimum number of sick days, personal days, and vacation time are established in some countries.
