Addressing the Inclination for Part-Time Employment: Understanding Practically Educated Gen Z Women’s Perceptions of Full-Time Employment in the Netherlands

Abstract

Purpose: This master’s thesis explores the perceptions of practically educated Generation Z (Gen Z) women in the Netherlands about full-time employment. The Netherlands has a unique status for its large part-time employment culture that especially attracts practically educated women; however, less is known about the perceptions of Gen Z towards these standards. Theory: This study discusses the results through the lens of the Bounded Rationality theory of Simon (1955) and the Doing Gender theory (West & Zimmerman, 1987). Method: A qualitative methodology was applied using 20 semi-structured interviews with Gen Z women in the Netherlands holding a practical education. Results: The findings reveal that full-time employment is not inherently avoided, as preferences for full-time employment are often shaped by deeply rooted gender beliefs, sectoral standards, and lifestyle and care preferences. Financial motives and busyness were found to be the two primary drivers for full-time employment; however, participants overwhelmingly opt for part-time employment once having children to create time for informal childcare. Limited awareness of the long-term risks of avoiding full-time employment suggests a need for further research into the role of knowledge and information in shaping full-time employment preparedness.