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This article explores the relationship between work, care and gender equality on a theoretical level to develop multifaceted and dynamic models both within a country, as well as cross-nationally. It is necessary to go beyond static single-country classifications and do country clustering. Existing models are synthesized with five new types of work-care balance as theoretical baseline: the traditional breadwinner and modified breadwinner model, the egalitarian employment model, the universal carer model, as well as the reversed role model. Depending on the research questions countries belong to different models. The article analyses first the practices about working time for unpaid and paid work in households. Second, family and social policies are examined. Finally, it is shown how and to what extent these facts conform to social values and norms (culture). The approach is exemplified by comparing Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]