Childcare and Participation of Australian Women in the Workforce - Research Proposal Example

Availability of childcare for children aged 5-12 years and participation of Australian women in the workforce. number: Table of Contents 1. 4.1.Data collection 7 4.2.Sampling 7 4.3.Data Analysis 8 4.3.1.Phase 1: Numerical evaluation 8 4.3.2.Phase 2: Identification of respondents 8 4.3.3.Phase 3: Engaging the community and participants education 8 4.3.4.Phase 4: Presentation 9 7.1.Timeline 10 7.2.Budget 10 10.1.Questionnaire 15 1. Background In the recent past, the Australian government has been forced to grapple with the challenge presented by its incessantly aging population and the need to increase participation of women in the labour force. To maintain or possibly improve its standards of living, Australia, though its participation of women is coarsely on par with those of the UK and the US, must encourage women participation in the workforce by initiating childcare programmes for women whose children are 5-12 years. Daley and McGannon (2014) assert that the participation of women in the labour force in Australia is significantly low compared to other countries in the OECD. Whereas 78% of men aged 16-64 are in paid employment, only 67% of women in the same age bracket are proactively engaged in paid employment (Daley & McGannon, 2014). Moreover, a whopping 85% of this men work full time as compared to the 55% of women who work full time. Daley and McGannon (2014) further assert that the aptitude and capability of these women to participate in paid employment has been curtailed by the sheer fact that most of them are in the child bearing bracket and are forced to conduct a cost-benefit analysis between participating in paid employment and the costs of child care. Whereas this participation rates are ominously higher compared to the OECD average, the statistics are unsatisfactory since the OECD average has largely been brought down by countries such as Greece, whose distinct social compact cannot be simulated in Australia. According to Daley and McGannon (2014), childbirth and childcare have a direct impact on the participation of women in the workforce. Jericho (2015), Harrison (2015), and Richmond and La Trobe University (2013) further indicate that whereas the participation of Australian women in the workforce has augmented substantially due to availability of improved levels of education, advanced healthcare, and people’s majestic decision to work later in life, the participation of women aged 35-45 has hardly changed since the 90s, a fact attributable to the women’s need to undertake the social responsibility of child care. The much desired equity in Australia can only be achieved if women are economically empowered. Rather than simply boosting economic growth, having more women in the workforce guarantees them financial security and stability which further enables them to effectively carry on their social role of child bearing. Losoncz (2011) and Jericho (2015) support Daley and McGannon (2014) assertion that if participation of Australian women in the workforce increases by only 6%, the country’s GDP will upsurge to a staggering $25 billion higher. While Losoncz (2011) does not indicate how this increment will be attained, he asserts that the growth is practicable in Australia, but the government has to articulate and implement mechanisms that will encourage women who have children aged 5-12 years to participate in the labour force. Headey, Freebairn, and Warren (2010) consider the increase in women participation in the labour force to be more beneficial to the government as the number of income tax payers will upsurge. While this claim is true, its cogency and rationality is debilitated by the fact that it fails to consider the social and economic benefits that will accrue to the Australian women workers (Chesters, Baxter, & Western, 2009; Jericho, 2015; Press, 2010). According to Daley and McGannon (2014), some Australians are concerned about where the extra jobs will come from to accommodate the additional number of women expected to join the workforce. However, this concern is misplaced and is often termed as the ‘lump of labour fallacy’ in the world of economy. The amount of work available in the economy is not fixed. The incoming of women workers will undoubtedly lead to increased production, leading to an increase in household demand in the medium run. As more women joins the paid workforce, the return on capital will increase producing more investment thus avoiding a scenario where wages are depressed due to excessive supply of labour. The movement of women into the workforce leads to transfer of unpaid work such as caring for children to third parties (Daley & McGannon, 2014; Michael & Richard, 2012). However, women participation in paid jobs is rational as the economic value of childcare is minute compared to the economic value of the mother’s paid work. Child care centres offer specialization and efficiencies of scale by freeing mothers from the often social role of caring for the child and affords them the inordinate opportunity to participate in paid employment. Nevertheless, “Personal and cultural beliefs and preferences about how children should be raised, and the role of women in the family and society” affects the number of women who participates in the paid employment. Since children aged 5-12 are still dependent on the parent, when quality child care is available and affordable, more women will be willing to participate in paid work as asserted by Jericho (2015), Chesters, Baxter, and Western (2009) as well as Daley and McGannon (2014). 2. Aims and significance of the proposed study The Australian government has been striving to increase the participation of women in the workforce. Whereas various studies have explored the reasons for the unsatisfactory participation of women in the workforce and found that it has fundamentally been contributed by the bigoted or perceived social roles of women, none of these studies has ever offered a profound breakdown of the social factors. A study by Daley, McGannon, and Ginnivan (2012) indicates that established that providing women with child care assistance greatly increases women’s participation in the labour force as compared to programmes such as PPL (paid parental leave). The cost of child care has been discouraging many women with children aged 5-12 from participating in the workforce (Schwarz, 2012). Whereas these studies merely analysed the changing trend of women participation in the labour force, they did not explore the multifaceted effects that the unavailability of quality care has on the economy. Hence, an outstanding aim of this study is to explore the adversarial effects of the unreachability of child care and suggest the kind and/or quality of child care that the Australian government should strive to bolster women’s participation in the economy. What’s more, this comprehensive study will examine why Australian women’s participation in the economy has been significantly low compared to countries like Canada whose social and economic structure are easily replicated in Australia (Schwarz, 2012). This will pinpoint the social and economic policies that are requisite to bolster the participation of Australian women in the workforce, probably those that have proven efficient in Canada where the difference in participation between men and women is presently immaterial. 3. Expected outcomes/ Implications for Practice i. The study will designate how and why the participation rates of women has been low despite the government’s effort to provide reasonable and quality care. ii. The findings of this study can help policy makers and employers in designing the best workplace policies that will embolden the involvement of women in the workforce and plummet the high percentage of part-time women workers (Wicks, Mishra, & Milne, 2012; Alberici, 2015). iii. By involving women with children aged 5-12, this study will gain a substantive participation of women workers and effusively gain from the experience of such women and their overall feeling towards the present child care (Workforce Gender Equality Agency, 2013). 4. Research Plan/ Methodology Due to the qualitative physiognomies of the data involved, as it primarily aims at improving the welfare of employed Australian women, this research will overly rely on the qualitative methodology primarily interviews and literature reviews. Improving the justice and rationality of the participants’ social practices requires that the people are involved through participatory action research. The questionnaire will employ this as well as the grounded theory to employment life of Australian women and the effects of child care. However, the data collected will be professionally analysed through dissection of the study into four stages. 4.1. Data collection Firstly, this study will collect data by issuing 25 questionnaires to women who have children in the age bracket 5-12. The 25 questionnaires will be distributed asymmetrically to 5 major cities in Queensland; Townsville, Gold Coast, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast, and Cairns. This will increase the validity and trustworthiness of the data (Hay, 2010). The questionnaires will incorporate a variety of questions including open and closed to allow the participants the freedom to offer their opinion or feedback where appropriate (please refer to the appendix for the questionnaire). Additionally, data will be obtained by reviewing reliable websites, academic journals, print and electronic books, as well as databases including the Social Science Electronic Publishing and Wiley-Blackwell databases. Key search words that will be used include child care, workforce, employment, and Australian women (Hay, 2010). The cogency and validity of the evaluation will be bolstered by reviewing information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian labour union (Elmes, 2009). A worker at a child care facility within Cairns will also be interviewed. During the interview, our team members will also be observing and recording the overall operations of the child care facility (Losoncz & Bortolotto, 2009). 4.2. Sampling Random sampling will be used to identify the 25 employed women within Townsville, Gold Coast, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast, and Cairns. While random sampling may lead to identification of participants who are less knowledgeable on our research topic, this limitation will be thwarted by physically visiting women in their job places to be certain that they are employed (Hay, 2010). 4.3. Data Analysis Using the grounded theory procedure, the questionnaires will be analysed to enable the study formulate a theory that is centred on data that is analytically organized and analysed. Various subcategories within the broader topic of women participation in the workforce for those having children between 5-12 years will be identified from the data and analysed individually (Hay, 2010). Our prejudiced expectations will, therefore, have no chance of impacting on the analysis. 4.3.1. Phase 1: Numerical evaluation Numerical data obtained from the Australian labour statistics and other relevant literatures will be analysed using the SPSS software to generate bar graphs and pie charts. According to Elmes (2009), this will be helpful in establishing the trend of women participation in the paid jobs. 4.3.2. Phase 2: Identification of respondents The women from Townsville, Gold Coast, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast, and Cairns who will participate in the study will be identified randomly. Prior to administering questionnaires, the researchers will interact with various women from various companies in these cities to establish those who have children between 5-12 years and those who have ever used child care facilities (Hay, 2010). 4.3.3. Phase 3: Engaging the community and participants education The researcher will present the proposed study to the involved agencies through video conferencing. Moreover, a few meetings will be held with members of the community to inform them on the importance of the research and the help that they will be expected to provide. This will increase participation and plummet biasness (Hay, 2010). Research assistants will mentor the established participants to maximize their effectiveness and create efficiency during the iterative analysis. 4.3.4. Phase 4: Presentation The researcher will compile the data and findings into a report and present it to the policymakers. Through effective communication, the researcher will be able to maintain beneficial networks with the policymakers as well as members of the society (Elmes, 2009). This will be helpful in assessing whether the impact or outcome of the study are effectively implemented and positively transforming the involvement of women in building the Australian economy and whether the government is providing the recommended types and/or quality of child care. 5. Ethical consideration The researchers will obtain approval from the Queensland Human research committee and the National Health and Medical Research Council. According to the Department of Education, Training and Employment (N.d), researchers will be required to submit consent forms, a copy of results of a study that they previously conducted, and a Blue Card ascertaining that the researcher has underwent a Queensland Working with Children Check (Australian Law Reform Commission & Australian Health Ethics Committee, 2015). Likewise, the consent of all participants will be obtained by having them sign consent forms. We shall uphold the confidentiality of information, anonymity of participants, and act genuinely to ensure the sponsor receives value for their money (Hay, 2010; Elmes, 2009). Similarly, the culture of participants will be respected to make them feel free to offer even the most sensitive information. 6. Study limitations While we admit that the involvement of officials from the ministry of labour, employers and employment agencies is fundamental to the triumph of this study, time is a constraint, and we are forced to work with only a few working women and a single child care facility worker (Australian Law Reform Commission & Australian Health Ethics Committee, 2015). However, we will strive to overcome this limitation by going for only the finest details. Moreover, funds pose a significant challenge to the success of this study. Our current budget is too small. However, as the research continues, we shall strive to solicit for funding from various parties including individuals, and humanitarian agencies. 7. Administration of the Research 7.1. Timeline The study will take approximately one year and will involve various tasks as indicated below; TASKS Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Submitting the proposal Obtaining approval Receiving Funds Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 7.2. Budget Our small budget of AUD will be broken-down and utilized as shown below; Cost item Amount (AUD) Research assistants salaries 450 Practitioners appreciation fees 110 Cost of hiring digital voice recorders 180 Printing expense 30 Stationery costs 150 Photocopying and phone call expenses 125 Travel expenses 180 Hiring of venue 120 Childcare expenses 210 Total budget 1555 8. Conclusion This proposal has candidly indicated our aim to examine the participation of Australian women particularly those with children between 5-12 years and the effectiveness of the child care provided by the government. If approval and the required financial support are provided, the research will be devoted to the development of a solid conclusion and recommendations that will help policymakers improve the participation of women in the workforce. 9. References Alberici, E. (2015). Female workforce participation: key is childcare, not babysitting. Retrieved from http://www.smh.com.au/comment/female-workforce-participation-key-is-childcare-not-babysitting-20150418-1mn86z.html Australian Law Reform Commission, & Australian Health Ethics Committee. (2010). Protection of human genetic information. Sydney: Australian Law Reform Commission. Chesters, J., Baxter, J. and Western, M. (2009) Paid and Unpaid Work in Australian Households: Trends in the Gender Division of Labour, 1986-2005, Australian Journal of Labour Economics 12(1), p 89-107 Daley, J, McGannon, C and Ginnivan, L 2012, Game-changers: Economic Reform Priorities for Australia, Grattan Institute, Melbourne. Daley, J., and McGannon, C. (2014). Submission to the Productivity Commission Inquiry on Childcare and Early Childhood Learning. Grattan Institute. Retrieved from http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/childcare/submissions/initial/submission-counter/sub445-childcare.docx Department of Education, Training and Employment. ( N.d). Research guidelines. Retrieved from http://education.qld.gov.au/corporate/research/research_guidelines.pdf Elmes, D. G. (2009). Research methods in psychology. Australia: Thomson/Wadsworth. Harrison, D. (2015). Australia wont meet female workforce participation target, Intergenerational Report shows. Retrieved from http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/australia-wont-meet-female-workforce-participation-target-intergenerational-report-shows-20150310-13zbpm.html Hay, I. (2010). Qualitative research methods in human geography. South Melbourne, Vic: Oxford University Press. Headey, B., Freebairn, J. and Warren, D. (2010) Dynamics of Mature Age Workforce Participation: Policy Effects and Continuing Trends, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research from http://melbourneinstitute.com/downloads/labour/5-10FinalReport.pdf Jericho, G. (2015). Attitudes remain a barrier with womens work - The Drum (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-25/jericho-childcare/6260598 Losoncz, I. (2011) Persistent work-family strain among Australian mothers, Family Matters, 86, Losoncz, I. and Bortolotto, N. (2009) Work-life balance: The experience of Australian Working Mothers, Journal of Family Studies, 15(22), p 122-138 Marshall, K. (2011) Generational change in paid and unpaid work, catalogue number 11-008-X, Michael, J., and Richard, P. (2012). Australias Competitiveness: From Lucky Country to Competitive Country. Retrieved from https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=1wCjV5DhUkAC&pg=SA5-PA57&lpg=SA5-PA57&dq=Daley+2012.+game+changers.+Economic+reform+priorities+for+Australia&source=bl&ots=YWSQ_dsRD-&sig=BEQ1M4EoykbvAj169mPwMawBQoo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LglrVe_oE7CR7AbEoYPICw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Daley%202012.%20game%20changers.%20Economic%20reform%20priorities%20for%20Australia&f=false Press, W. T. (2010). Australia Women in Culture, Business & Travel: A Profile of Australian Women in the Fabric of Society. Petaluma: World Trade Press. Richmond, K., & La Trobe University. (2013). Women in the workforce: The workforce participation of married women in Australia. Bundoora, Vic: Dept. of Sociology, School of Social Sciences, La Trobe University. Schwarz, P. (2012). Tax Disincentives and Female Employment in OECD Countries, Journal of European Social Policy, 22(17). Wicks, D., Mishra, G., & Milne, L. (2012). Young Women, Work and Inequality: Is It What They Want or What They Get? An Australian contribution to research on women and workforce participation. Sociological Research Online. doi:10.5153/sro.737 Workforce Gender Equality Agency. (2013). Key statistics relating to workforce participation. Retrieved from https://www.wgea.gov.au/sites/default/files/Key_Stats_relating_to_Workforce_Paritcipation.pdf 10. Appendix 10.1. Questionnaire Australian Women Workforce Participation Questionnaire 1. Considering workforce, women of every nationality have definite characteristics and understanding of the concept. What are the unique features of Australian women with reference to workforce participation? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2. Recent studies show a steady increase in participation of female workforce, globally. Is Australia among the key contributors to the increase? Why? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3. A comparison of workforce participation between young and old age groups put young females at a higher position than the latter. Is that similar to the Australian workforce? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4. The intergenerational report shows that Australia will barely meet the target for women workforce participation. What are some of the difficulties facing Australian female employment and equally contributes to such a prediction? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5. What are the possibilities of having an accommodating and a flexible, diverse workforce in Australia? (tick as appropriate 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Over 70% 6. Limited payment during leave, pregnancy discrimination and gender pay gap hinder female workforce participation in Australia. What are the best solutions to these challenges?................................................................................................................................................................................................. Australian Childcare from 5 to 12 years 1. Do childcare policies negatively influence women employment in Australia? How? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2. Establishment of policies to improve childcare is beneficial to women, as it will increase time for participation in employments. What are the possible suggestions that must be integrated with policy reforms to achieve this? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3. The Productivity Commission of Australia recommended initiation of childcare subsidies into a single means-tested payment. Is it a right move? Yes No 4. If yes, why? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5. Should childcare for children from 5 to 12 years be a role of teachers and other relevant educators? If yes, what are potential negative implications of such approach to early childhood development?.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6. As part of gender equality, should men take up equal roles to women in primary childcare? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Read More