Affiliations: Rehabilitation Services, Toronto General Hospital,
University Health Network, Toronto, Canada | Department of Occupational Science and Occupational
Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Jane A. Davis, MSc., OT Reg. (Ont.),
OT(C), OTR, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, 500
University Ave., room 160, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5V 1G7. Tel.: +1 416 946
7130; Fax: +1 416 946 7102; E-mail: ja.davis@utoronto.ca
Abstract: Work-life balance has become a topic of increasing interest in the
media as well as a concern among working Canadians. Since print media discourse
can both reflect and shape societal values, cultural norms and ideals of
workers in this country, it is important to understand this representation and
its potential influence on the occupational engagement and life transitions of
Canadian workers. Articles from four major Canadian newspapers published
between 2003 and 2005 were used as data sources to examine the media
construction of "work-life balance". Thematic analysis of 100 articles was
performed using a modified affinity diagramming process. Representations within
the Canadian print media conveyed both themes pertaining to the perceived
experiences of imbalance and balance, as well as, a process of life balance.
Obtaining balance was portrayed as an ongoing process during which an
individual negotiates and sacrifices in an attempt to achieve his or her ideal
level of balance. Environmental expectations and individual practices and
perceptions were conveyed as reasons for the success or derailment of balance.
The representations of work-life balance found in the Canadian print media were
predominantly of professionals, focused on the demands of work and family, and
did not appear to be a broad representation of the multiple realities that all
Canadians face.
Keywords: Work-life balance, media representation, occupation
