519 - Thematic Session. Hard Times, Gender and Families

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Abstract

The Great Recession altered the gender dynamics within families in ways we are only beginning to understand. Some trends were accelerated for reasons that are not positive, while others may have been slowed or even reversed. This subject is vexing for researchers because it involves adjudicating between the effects of underlying conditions, long-term trends, and short-term shocks. In the past several years we have seen new research on how labor market conditions affect family violence, the gender division of labor, and fertility decisions. However, we have as yet no overarching theory of how this recession – or economic shocks in general – helped shape gender within families. In this session a panel of researchers who have done empirical work in this area broaden their focus to address this general question.

Sub Unit

• Thematic Sessions

Session Organizer

• Philip N. Cohen, University of Maryland-College Park

Presider

• Philip N. Cohen, University of Maryland-College Park

Panelists

• S. Philip Morgan, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

• Margaret Michele Gough, Harvard University

• Kristen S. Harknett, University of Pennsylvania

Discussant

• Philip N. Cohen, University of Maryland-College Park