Socialized choices

Dutch mothers display diverse labour market behaviour, though typically they work part-time, making modest use of childcare. It is generally assumed that Dutch women are free to make their own choices regarding employment. Socialized Choices shows that Dutch mothers are not as free from social ties as is often believed. The study, based on quantitative and qualitative research methods and including a concise historical analysis, reveals the complex and subtle socialization processes that affect mothers' individual work preferences. It also sheds light on the roles that parents, teachers, spouses and work colleagues play. Socialized Choices gives a deep and varied insight into the social factors that influence the labour market decisions of Dutch mothers, and raises awareness to the false assumptions that continue to exist regarding employment and motherhood. It may therefore provide a useful survey for policy makers, social workers, employers and students of sociology, gender or labour studies. For her research, Justine Ruitenberg was affiliated as a PhD-student at the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Labour Studies, at the University of Amsterdam. She works as a project leader of research programs at the Inspectorate for Social Affairs and Employment, The Netherlands.