The Caregiving Ambition Framework

Abstract

The caregiving ambition framework offers a new approach to understanding work-life issues in terms of aspirations to nurture and care for others. I propose that caregiving ambition varies along two dimensions: (1) the aspiration to be the direct provider of care, which entails a physical presence in order to meet needs personally, and (2) the aspiration to procure the indirect provision of care, which requires material resources to ensure that needs are met. I consider antecedents (sex, gender role socialization, and life stage) of caregiving ambition and its effect on outcomes, such as work-life conflict, work-life enrichment, and engagement in terms of entry, participation, and exit in the work, family, and community domains. I also examine important moderators—organizational and societal work-life policies and organizational culture—that influence the relationship between caregiving ambition and outcomes. I conclude by discussing how this new conceptual framework can advance work-life theory, research, and practice.