Abstract: Work-family balance research has a history of more than ten years in the Western countries, but China doesn’t focus on this issue until recently. The overview concludes the work-family balance research in the west, discuss the origin of the theory, clarify the conceptions, ways of measurement and related variables. Besides, it compares balance with conflict and facilitation in the research of work-family interface. Finally, the article suggests that the definition of the concept should be based on the differentiation of other related conceptions and should focus on the subjective and objective view and the national conditions of China. What’s more, it points out that the need to develop an objective measurement tools to improve its measurement method and the need for cross-cultural research of the future development.

Key words: work-family relationships, work-family balance, roles