Abstract
This archival study examined the association between natal family variables, such as maternal work history, parental living situation and sharing of responsibilities, and gender in relation to undergraduates' anticipated work and family roles. Social learning theory and ecological theory provided a framework for understanding the association of these variables. Participants included 385 undergraduate students, 18 years of age and older, without children, or who had never been married. Findings indicated that contrary to prediction, males expected greater work-family conflict than females. Additionally, maternal work history, parental living situation, and parental sharing of responsibilities were not significantly associated with expected work-family conflict. Participants whose parents shared household responsibilities expressed greater commitment to homecare roles, but did not significantly differ in the degree to which they valued homecare roles. Similarly, participants whose parents shared childcare responsibilities expressed greater commitment to homecare roles, but participants did not significantly differ in the degree to which they valued homecare roles. The implications of this study may indicate changes in roles and expectations within society for work and family structures. Limitations of this study and future directions are also identified.