Gender Differences in Housework among Unipersonal Households: A Cross-National Analysis

Joan Garcia Roman , Center for Demographic Studies (Barcelona)

Housework has long been associated with gender roles, with women traditionally burdened as the primary caregivers in many societies. However, most studies that apply these theories focus on the general population or couples. This study delves into the often overlooked domain of housework within unipersonal households, where negotiation of tasks and roles is absent, and individuals are solely responsible for their domestic chores. Drawing from data collected across 20 countries, the research examines the time allocation to housework by men and women, shedding light on the gender disparities in one-person living situations. The analysis focuses on the most traditionally feminine-defined and often less favoured housework tasks where gender differences tend to be more pronounced, encompassing cleaning, food preparation, cooking, and laundry. Findings align with prior research, highlighting that women generally invest more time in housework across all living arrangements, albeit with a less pronounced gap in unipersonal households. These gender-based discrepancies are influenced by a confluence of factors, including age, education, the time dedicated to paid employment, and whether it is a weekday or weekend. Preliminary findings showcase significant variations among countries. In some nations, such as Greece and Italy, women in unipersonal households devote significantly less time to housework than their peers cohabiting with partners and children. In contrast, countries like Norway, Canada, and the United States exhibit minimal gender disparities in housework allocation in such living situations. The study's next phase involves a deeper exploration of unipersonal households, investigating into the nuanced factors influencing gender differences.

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 Presented in Session 42. Gender, Households and Housework