In his novel, Striking a Balance: Work, Family, Life, Robert W. Drago examines American workers’ lives and models for improving the balance between work and life. Drago is an economist and the professor of labor studies and women’s studies at the Pennsylvania State University.
Drago pays particular emphasis to the increased income gap between the highest and lowest income earners in America. There is also mention throughout of the care gap, where nearly a fifth of the American population needs care, but many go without adequate care. Lastly, the new gender gap is a common theme, which explores the gap between women who are caregivers and those who achieve highly salaried professional careers.
The common issues addressed are in relation to the social norms of motherhood, ideal workers and individualism. Drago compares these issues to decisions made by workers and employers which heavily rely upon these issues. Drago provides in-depth analysis of the current American employment situation as well as possible remedies to create change by for workers, employers, unions and the government. Drago’s argument is that public policy makers need to adequately address the economic inequalities that cause work-life imbalances. Possible policy changes include paid family leave, early education, child care financing, minimum wage improvements and national health care. Whilst policy alone cannot solve these issues, Drago stresses the importance of changing social norms that underlie the work-life balance problem. A key insight made by Drago is that, “we need to give people the tools to create balance through inclusive environments, by opening spaces for the voices of employees, family, community members, and citizens to be heard,” where the critical shift will be attributed to societal norms.
Drago utilizes a substantial body of research on the work-life connection and particularly provides useful insights for women academics and families. It is also suitable for students of labor economics as well as anyone who has ever had to juggle the demands of care with that of a career. Drago’s framework of the work-life paradigm provides practical solutions that are inspiring and policy prescriptions that are clear, simple and mercifully few.
Overall, Drago constructs a unique vision of the meaning of balance and deciphers the real reasons behind American’s leading unbalanced lives. The main aim is to challenge those beliefs and follow a road map to improve life balance, as well as addressing the new gender gap, income gap and care gap. This novel by Drago is an enjoyable and informative read to transform your views on contemporary America.
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