Practice and research in career counseling and Development—2005

Career Development Quarterly, Dec, 2006 by Thomas F. Harrington, Theresa A. Harrigan

Marler and Moen's study concentrated on gender differences regarding alternative employment arrangements. They sought to examine how gender-related beliefs and social contexts would affect alternative employment arrangements among men and women in either temporary or independent contractual work. The authors observed that although workforce demographics have changed, the traditional view of job expectations and gender-specific responsibilities within the family seemed to continue. Marler and Moen suggested that the standard career path was gender-based and intended for workers without family concerns. The authors expected that gender differences would determine participation in alternative employment assignments in terms of traditional gender norms, that is, women would more likely have family-related reasons for accepting these assignments and men would have work-centered reasons. Data were obtained from a 1995 and 1997 contingent work supplement survey.

Analyses revealed that 59% of the temporary agency sample was women. Temporary work was not the preferred working situation. Most temporary employees surveyed did not have benefits. Positions for independent contractors, which included benefits, were predominantly filled by men. These were considered preferred situations. Female temporary workers were more likely to have part-time schedules and live in households with higher family incomes, as compared to their male counterparts. Women in independent contract arrangements were more likely to work part-time, but incomes for these situations were comparable to those of male contractors. Significant gender differences were noted in reasons given by those surveyed for choosing alternative employment arrangements. Women in temporary and independent contractual work mentioned family issues as the reason for choosing this arrangement. Only 10% of temporary male workers and male independent contractors referred to family as an explanation for the alternative mode of employment. Men in temporary agency or independent contractual arrangements were significantly more likely to identify work-related reasons. When comparing types of arrangements, both men and women working through temporary agencies mentioned they did so for economic reasons. Men and women independent contractors attributed their situations to work-related reasons. However, women in both arrangements were more likely than men to give family-related explanations for choosing their work arrangements. When reviewing preferences, married women temporary employees were more apt to favor alternatives to standard employment. There were no significant findings for standard employment and independent contracting comparisons for married men and women. When infant children were in the home, married independent contractors showed a significant preference for their employment type. Preference of both genders for independent contractual arrangements were strongly influenced by availability of health benefits and family and financial issues.