Men reckon they do their fair share of housework. Their female partners don’t agree

The Persistent Gender Divide in Unpaid Work: Insights from the 2022 HILDA Survey

The 2022 HILDA (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia) survey reveals a striking disparity in the division of unpaid work between men and women, despite women’s increased participation in the workforce. This persistent divide underscores the ongoing challenges of gender equality in both work and home life. While women are working more than ever, the burden of household and caregiving responsibilities remains disproportionately on their shoulders. Understanding this imbalance is crucial for addressing broader economic and social inequalities.

The Shifting Landscape of Labor Before and After Parenthood

The survey highlights a significant shift in the division of labor upon the arrival of children. Before having their first child, couples tend to share paid and unpaid work equally. However, this balance dramatically changes with parenthood. Post-birth, women’s share of housework jumps to 63%, a figure that remains at 62% even when the child reaches 10. This stark contrast suggests that parenthood significantly alters the dynamics of household responsibilities, with women bearing the brunt of caregiving and domestic duties.

The Evolution of Time Spent on Work and Caregiving

Both men and women are dedicating more hours to paid work compared to 2002, with women’s employment rising from 22.2 to 28.5 hours per week and men’s increasing slightly from 37.7 to 37.9 hours. However, the division of caregiving responsibilities remains uneven. Men’s time spent on caregiving has marginally increased from 5 to 5.5 hours, while women’s caregiving hours have risen from 10.1 to 10.7. Despite these increases, the caregiving gap between genders persists, indicating a slow pace of change in societal roles.

Perceptions of Fairness and Satisfaction in Unpaid Work

The survey reveals a notable disparity in satisfaction levels between men and women regarding the division of unpaid work. Men are significantly more satisfied, with only 6.2% feeling they do more than their fair share, compared to 32.4% of women. This dissatisfaction among women highlights the perceived unfairness of the current division of labor. Societal expectations about motherhood may contribute to women shouldering more responsibilities, perpetuating the inequality and affecting their personal well-being.

The Consequences of Unequal Division of Labor

The implications of this unequal distribution extend beyond personal satisfaction, posing financial and health risks. Women’s reduced engagement in the workforce can lead to long-term career setbacks and increased poverty risks, especially in the event of relationship dissolution. Single parents, predominantly women, face heightened economic pressures, with a 76% increase in childcare costs since 2006. This group experiences higher rates of poverty, mental health issues, and physical health problems, underscoring the urgent need for supportive policies.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Change

The 2022 HILDA survey paints a clear picture of ongoing gender inequality in unpaid work, with significant repercussions for individuals and families. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, workplace flexibility, and a cultural shift in societal expectations. By fostering a more equitable division of labor and supporting vulnerable groups like single parents, we can move towards a more just society where both men and women thrive. The time to act is now, to ensure that future generations benefit from a balanced and fair distribution of responsibilities.