Perceptions of work-life balance and opportunities for advancement of women and men working in student affairs.

This study explores the perceptions of work-life balance satisfaction and opportunities for advancement for both women and men working in the field of student affairs in higher education. Previous research has indicated that women working in student affairs struggle with work-life balance and perceive there to be greater barriers and challenges for them with respect to achieving greater work-life balance and/or opportunities for advancement. This research is framed from both a sociological and feminist perspective. Recognizing that there have been significant changes in the social and cultural depictions of family and the role of men and women in the family, this study looks to examine the differences in women's and men's perceptions of work-life balance and opportunities for advancement as professionals in student affairs. Specifically, this study examines the percieved barriers to advancement for men and women as well as the notion of personal sacrifice for professional gain. Similarly, the study examines various factors in a work setting that contribute to greater work-life balance and personal satisfaction. Finally, this study will also examine generation differences in perceptions.