Gender and Work Orientation: Values and Satisfaction in Western Europe

There is considerable disagreement about the extent, direction, and causes of gender differences in work values and job satisfaction. In part, these inconsistencies reflect the different samples, measures, and methodologies of various studies. To overcome these problems, this article uses closely compatible data from nine Western European countries to examine the extent of gender differences on three aspects of work orientation and to test three explanations for the differences that emerge. The results show that gender differences are small and vary according to the country and the aspect of work orientation under examination. Of the three models tested—the job, family, and social characteristics models—only the former helps to explain gender differences and then only in terms of job satisfaction. The data therefore cast doubt on the existence of gender differences in work values and job satisfaction. The results also question current explanations for the supposed differences between men's and women's work orientation.