Igualdade de género e (re)conciliação entre vida de trabalho e vida pessoal e familiar

: projetos de vida familiar: o caso de profissionais de consultoria e de auditoria

Abstract

The present study draws on a gender approach of the topic of reconciling work and personal and family life. The research aimed at contributing to a better understanding of the reality of consultant and auditing professionals working at the so called – Big Four – where opportunities for successful careers challenge the balance between work and personal and family lives. The study used qualitative methods, namely interviews and life histories. Ten professionals were interviewed, five female and five male. Interviews were biographical and aimed at understanding the extent to which the difficulties in balancing work and personal lives relates to the professional activity as well as to gender. Comparing the lives and experiences of men and women within a similar professional context, differences emerged. Hence, the study revealed how in the work context of the Big Four, professionals are constantly confronted with demands that blur the distinctions between work and personal life. Men and women are differently affected. In the case of women, family projects are usually postponed, especially those pertaining to children. Difficulties stemming from family life seem to ease up as one is promoted into management positions. Men seem also generally less affected by family issues. In the case of women difficulties regarding family life are also paramount when it comes to decide to exit the company.

Date of Award	10 Jul 2015
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Maria Isabel G. G. Castro Guimarães (Supervisor) & Sandra Lima Coelho (Co-Supervisor)