The first international comparative study of career changes among couples in modern society, this important book spans the globe, addressing career issues in Germany, the Netherlands, the Flemish part of Belgium, Italy, Spain, Greta Britain, the United States, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Hungary, and China. Using longitudinal data, it explores what has and has not changed for couples in various countries because of women's greater involvement in paid employment.

Examining the debate on quality of jobs in Europe, this book focuses on the work-life balance-a central element of the EU agenda. It addresses tensions between work and private life, examining job quality, job security, working conditions and time-use patterns of individuals and households as well as institutional contexts.