Work characteristics and family routines in low-wage families

The maintenance of routines is linked to positive outcomes in children and families. Role theory asserts that resources and constraints found in family and work environments will shape a parent’s ability to successfully fulfill both roles. To date, there is scant research examining the maintenance of routines in low-income families whose work environments are often characterized by temporary work, non-traditional shifts, and irregular hours. This study seeks to understand the relationship between employment characteristics on the maintenance of family routines in a sample of low-wage families. The results of this study support the findings of other researchers that low-wage families face considerable work-family strain due to their jobs, but they succeed in maintaining routines despite adverse working conditions.