Alternative Family Structures: A Career Advantage?

Abstract

This research examined the presence of homemakers among spouses of men and women at four hierarchical levels within a single large professional services firm. Men at the most senior level were significantly more likely to have spouses as homemakers than were men at lower levels and women at any hierarchical level. Men were generally more likely than women to have spouses as homemakers, thus family structures may create potential career disadvantages for women.