Working Mothers in Finland: A Cross-Country Comparison of Work to Family Interference, Work Characteristics and Satisfaction with Life

Authors

• Sirpa Weckström

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23979/fypr.45066

Keywords:

mothers, work-family interference, work characteristics, life satisfaction, childcare policy

Abstract

In this study it was examined whether work-related experiences of Finnish mothers are
different from work-related experiences of mothers in 11 other European countries.
The data was based on European Social Survey, round 2, conducted in the years
2004-2005. Descriptive statistics and ordinal regression analysis were used to assess
the outcomes. Work to home interference was not especially frequent among mothers
in Finland. However, interference that comprised other family members was more
common than in the other countries investigated. With regard to work characteristics,
Finnish mothers differed both negatively and positively from mothers in the other
countries. Long working hours increased time-based interference from work to family
members. Time pressure at work increased both time- and strain-based interferences.
Social support from co-workers decreased strain-based interference. Work to family
member interferences, especially strain-based interference, were negatively connected
to life satisfaction. Both working and non-working mothers in Finland appeared to
be satisfied with their life.