Breaking or Reinforcing the Cycle: The Role of Work-Family Identity Integration in Systemic Inequities

This article introduces the Cyclic Theory of Work-Family Identity Integration (WFII), which conceptualizes WFII, the perceived compatibility between work and family identities, as a critical mechanism for understanding and addressing inequities. Identity integration involves subjective sensemaking, but social environments tied to social identities, such as parenthood, gender, and cultural background, impose unique challenges to integrating work and family identities. We theorize that WFII reflects both individual differences and intergroup disparities, with the latter perpetuating structural biases through a self-reinforcing cycle. Crucially, WFII's malleability as a form of subjective sensemaking makes it a promising pathway for reducing inequities. By leveraging evidence from psychological interventions that create lasting effects, this framework underscores the complementary role of psychological approaches alongside contextual changes. Merging insights from work-family research, identity integration theories, and intervention scholarship, this theory offers strategies to disrupt inequities and promote equitable work and family outcomes across diverse populations. Plain Language Summary Title How Perceived Compatibility of Work and Family Identities Reproduces Inequality