This first conceptional chapter illuminates the complex relationship between paid and unpaid work within families, a dynamic reflected in diverse family models. The specific allocation of tasks is examined, taking into account factors such as job value, gender equality ideals, and the interplay between gainful employment and caregiving responsibilities. The thesis centres around the concept of family models, with particular focus on the universal caregiver family model, which is described as the egalitarian ideal and serves as the goal of family policy in both the theoretical discussion and empirical analysis. Before exploring family models, I first examine the different types of work and their interactions, setting the stage for a comprehensive understanding of the complexities shaping familial structures.