Both women and men strive to achieve a work and family balance, but does this imply more or less equality? Does the persistence of gender and class inequalities refute the notion that lives are becoming more individualised? Leading international authorities document how gender inequalities are changing and how many inequalities of earlier eras are being eradicated. However, this book shows there are new barriers and constraints that are slowing progress in attaining a more egalitarian society. Taking the new global economy into account, the expert contributors to this book examine the conflicts between different types of feminisms, revise old debates about ?equality? and ?difference? in the gendered nature of work and care, and propose new and innovative policy solutions.

This path-breaking book makes essential reading for all those interested in the intersections of class, family and employment in the 21st century. Students and researchers of sociology, gender studies and social policy, as well as practitioners and policy-makers interested in work?family balance, will find this book invaluable.