Why Working Parents Still Can’t Have It All

Over the past year, several leading American women have candidly discussed the challenges that persist in balancing work and family. Their comments have resonated with many men as well and force all of us to confront the challenges faced by women – and men – in the workforce who are also caring for their families. Can this push to change work-life balance for both genders impact public policy? How might existing community structures, like religious organizations, help in addressing these challenges? Are there spiritual practices that can help Americans better balance their obligations and wants? Can congregations be an important influence in such public discussions and in thinking about how Americans live more grounded lives?

Join New America as we examine the obstacles working parents face, discuss the influence of religion and opportunities for congregations, and propose potential solutions that would better promote work-life balance for Americans. 

David Gray, author of a new book, Practicing Balance: How Congregations Can Promote Harmony in Work and Life, will address the history of and current problems in the work-family balance debate, the unique challenges that many men face in trying to “have it all” with work and family, and the important role religious institutions and congregations can play in this conversation. Liza Mundy will discuss how men are falling behind women in the current economic climate and how this impacts working parents’ abilities to achieve balance. Brigid Schulte will share research, anecdotes and strategies for American families trying to cope with career and family demands.

Our speakers will also consider how individual men and women, as well as community organizations, can advance workplace flexibility, quality child care, and family friendly policies.

Participants

Featuring

Liza Mundy
Bernard L. 
Schwartz Fellow, New America Foundation

Author, The Richer Sex 

Brigid Schulte

Bernard L. Schwartz Fellow, New America Foundation

Staff Writer, The Washington Post
Author, Overwhelmed (forthcoming) 

David Gray

Director, Workforce and Family Program
, New America Foundation
Senior Pastor, Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church
Author, Practicing Balance: How Congregations Can Support Harmony in Work and Life