Border and Boundary Theory - Montana State University边境，边界理论-蒙大拿州立大学.doc

Border and Boundary Theory A concept paper for NC 1030 located and submitted by Holly Schrank October 20, 2006 The following material was downloaded from /encyclopedia_entry.php?id=220 on October 20, 2006. Permission to use any or all of it should be sought from the authors listed below. Desrochcers, Stephan, Sargent, Leisa (2003). Boundary/Border Theory and Work-Family Integration, A Sloan Work and Family Encyclopedia Entry Stephan Desrochers , University of Maine Farmington- Department of Psychology, Leisa Sargent , University of Melbourne- Department of Management Date: 9/09/03 Basic Concepts Definitions Researchers have long recognized that work and family are not separate spheres, but are interdependent domains or roles with permeable boundaries (Kanter, 1977; Pleck, 1977). Some have gone beyond recognizing this linkage to advocate initiatives that allow working families to integrate these domains (e.g., Bailyn, Drago, Kochan, 2001). But others have expressed concerns over the blurring boundary between work and family that workers can experience if there is too much work-family integration in their lives, which can occur if arrangements such as working at home and using mobile technologies tend to keep work constantly accessible (Chesley, Moen, Shore, 2001; Galinsky Kim, 2000; Shamir, 1992). Work-family border theory (Clark, 2000) and boundary theory (Ashforth, Kreiner, Fugate, 2000) address the integration and blurring of boundaries in work and family life. These theories contribute to the study of work-family linkages by describing the conditions under which varying degrees of work-family integration are likely to improve or diminish individual well-being. Both address how people construct, maintain, negotiate and cross boundaries or borders, the lines of demarcation (Clark, 2000) between work and family. Next, we examine the theories more closely. Boundary theory is a general cognitive theory of social classification (Zerubavel, 1991; 1996) that