`Based on multiple comparative as well as UK sources, this new book by one of the most well-known European social scientists unravels the multiple dimensions and relationships involved in balancing family and paid work demands. Jane Lewis documents persisting, and even increasing cross-country differences. Notwithstanding these, work-family reconciliation policies are more concerned with allowing women to combine paid work and family care than with redistributing care between men and women. This important book should be required reading for everyone interested in social policy and welfare state analysis.'---Chiara Saraceno, Social Science Research Centre Berlin (WZB), Germany and University of Turin, Italy<BR><BR>`This book provides a brilliant synthesis of comparative research on work-family policies with particular relevance to the emerging policy agenda in the UK. Jane Lewis is a profound thinker and graceful writer who leavens her theoretical sophistication with comprehensive attention to practical details.'---Nancy Folbre, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA<BR><BR>`Jane Lewis is a brilliant conceptual innovator and gifted empirical analyst in the field of social policy. This book expertly illuminates the dramatically changing terrain of social policy with reference to employment, family and gender relations.---Ann Orloff, Northwestern University, USA