La relazione famiglia-lavoro: quale conciliazione?

This essay analyses the results of the research about the family as a society resource, with a specific focus on the relation between family and work. A large number of studies, particularly those relative to the work-family conflict, have shown how people decide to invest more in family sphere at the expense of the other. It is appropriate to point out that the reflective process is influenced by: a) the partners’ desires (ideals) and expectations (future plans based on present circumstances) relating to their family and work situations, and b) the dialogical negotiation of their respective plans and aspirations in both spheres. The decisional process does not only concern the assessment of particularly important (personal or family) events; it affects the whole family sphere by determining the criteria for the division of roles. Only the decisions shared within the family and connected with the possibility to relate to other subjects (primary and secondary networks) can turn the family into a resource for itself and for society as well; the opposite takes place when the general criterion for choice is the individual. Different variables were devised for analysing both the conflict itself and some theories on family and work proximity underlying reconciliatory choices, in order to identify the leading criterion of the personal reflexive process. These variables were designed also to compare three different purposes and meanings of reconciliation. Reconciliation can, in fact, be considered useful for achieving one’s personal aspirations (individualistic reconciliation), devoting oneself to the care of children, (family reconciliation), or investing time in relationships with partner/relatives/other families/associations (social reconciliation).