The goal of Chapter 5 is to demonstrate how entrenched these norms are in most workplaces and to explain why this entrenchment exists. I first provide a history of many of the most common structural norms, including hours, shifts, and attendance policies, before demonstrating just how entrenched these norms are. Finally, this chapter briefly discusses the work-from-home experiment courtesy of COVID-19.

Chapter 1 introduces the concepts and ideas I discuss throughout this book. First, I provide a summary of the experiences of both individuals with disabilities and workers with caregiving responsibilities in the workplace. This summary exposes the difficulties these two groups have when trying to meet the expectations of their employers. Second, I introduce some of the laws and legal concepts that are discussed throughout the book—the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, sex discrimination under Title VII, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Third, I briefly explain my proposal for reform. Finally, this chapter provides a brief outline of the structure of the rest of the book.