International labor migration and the family: some observations from Indonesia

This article addresses two dimensions of the complex interrelationship between the family and international labor migration in Indonesia: the role of the family in influencing labor movements out of Indonesia; and the consequences of this movement on family well-being, structure, and functioning. Research on this topic in Indonesia is highly limited due mainly to the recency of large scale international labor migration, inadequate data collection systems, a high incidence of undocumented migration, and failure of available research to be sensitive to family related issues. Against a rapidly changing economic and social situation, two major overlapping systems of migration have developed. The official system is focused strongly on the Middle East (although other Asian destinations are increasing in significance) and is dominated by female migrants. The undocumented system is much larger in volume, is focused upon Malaysia, involves more males than females, and is becoming permanent in some cases. The role, status, and experiences of women migrants in relation to their families (decision making, networks, remittances) are discussed with recommendations for other areas needing further research attention.

[Retirement pensions in Canada: the inequalities of a dualist system]

"Using data from the Survey of Ageing and Independence (N=20,036), this research examines the effect of a dual economy on retirement incomes for both men and women [in Canada]. Specifically, the analysis compares core and periphery retirees on sociodemographic characteristics, work characteristics, income characteristics and pension arrangements. Models are then estimated to ascertain what factors influence the retirement incomes for those retirees who previously worked in the core or periphery of the economy. The findings suggest that Canadian pension policy has served to exacerbate the already precarious economic position of retired women, a known outcome of their unstable labour force histories and family responsibilities. The dualist pension system has assisted in producing an underclass of retirees, the principal causalities being women who previously worked in the periphery of the economy." (SUMMARY IN ENG AND SPA)

[Female employment, pregnancy leave, and reintegration into the work force]

This article summarizes a project conducted between 1981 and 1985, in which "the research was aimed at a comprehensive description of maternity protection legislation in Austria and its effects on women's status within the family and on the labour market." It includes a historical analysis of maternity protection laws since the 1880s, an investigation into the theoretical approaches to women's work and maternity leave and the connection to women's participation in the labor market, a survey of women's employment since the 1960s, an analysis of statistical data on recipients of maternity leave payments in the 1980s, a study of the relationship between women's working careers and confinement patterns, and models and social policy reform proposals that would facilitate the employment of mothers (SUMMARY IN ENG)

Fertility, sex role attitudes, and labor force participation

Data from the 1970 National Fertility Study were used to investigate the relationships between sex role attitudes and the childbearing and labor force participation of women. While several relevant dimensions of sex role attitudes were identified, it was found that the most crucial aspect for working and fertility was the extent to which the woman identified the female role as that of housewife and homemaker. Those having traditional definitions concerning this role were less likely to be working, and had fewer plans to work in the future. In addition, as expected, women with traditional sex role definitions had more children than others. While the orientation of the woman toward the home was the primary correlate of work and fertility, those who felt that women had little control over their lives had higher fertility than others—a relationship which could be explained partially, but not entirely, in terms of unplanned childbearing.