One question, why do women need more flexibility than men? All I can think of is childcare, and if I was a dad I would fight to be able to spend as much time with my child as possible. (Not trying to be obtuse, genuinely curious)
Often "women" here does indeed often mean "mothers" (though as a childfree woman with many endeavours outside of work I welcome flexibility across the board!). The fact is in many places, the majority of child-related tasks such as daycare/school pick-up and drop-off, caring for sick children, and finding/providing care during school holidays still falls to women. Where men would like to take on more of this work, many workplaces are still unsupportive, and someone has to do it, so it falls to the mother. And let's be honest, inn many cases women still want to do the majority of this work and men don't, so the cycle continues.
Some great responses here and great discussion!
One question, why do women need more flexibility than men? All I can think of is childcare, and if I was a dad I would fight to be able to spend as much time with my child as possible. (Not trying to be obtuse, genuinely curious)
Often "women" here does indeed often mean "mothers" (though as a childfree woman with many endeavours outside of work I welcome flexibility across the board!). The fact is in many places, the majority of child-related tasks such as daycare/school pick-up and drop-off, caring for sick children, and finding/providing care during school holidays still falls to women. Where men would like to take on more of this work, many workplaces are still unsupportive, and someone has to do it, so it falls to the mother. And let's be honest, inn many cases women still want to do the majority of this work and men don't, so the cycle continues.
I think women prioritize flexibility more than men do because we are better at recognizing when we need it. We tend to be better at self care overall.
I don't think women need it more than men... Men need it too, they just have been socialized to think of self care as weakness.