Women leave because of family responsibilities: Fact or fiction?

Abstract

The perception that women leave work because of their family responsibilities often underpins the differential treatment of women and men in organisations. Thus, the present study examines the reasons for women’s departure. Forty-four women in the Australian banking sector were interviewed; banking is still a female-dominated industry with a male-dominated hierarchy despite award-winning efforts in complying with AA/EEO legislation since 1988–89. The interviews indicate that, for most, family responsibilities are not the primary reason for leaving their employers. In addition, the interviews unravel a complex web of factors that often make women feel unwelcome in (or ‘squeezed out’ of) their..