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The Education Gradient in Maternal Enjoyment of Time in Childcare

Author

Listed:
  • Ariel Kalil

    (University of Chicago - Harris School of Public Policy)

  • Susan E. Meyer

    (University of Chicago - Harris School of Public Policy)

  • William Delgado

    (University of Chicago - Harris School of Public Policy)

  • Lisa A. Gennetian

    (Duke University - Sanford School of Public Policy; NBER)

Abstract

Studies document large differences in the amount of time mothers spend in childcare by maternal education, even when controlling for characteristics such as income, employment hours, and work schedules. One possible explanation for this observed difference is that highly educated mothers find time in childcare to be more enjoyable. To inform this hypothesis, we examine education-based differences in mothers’ average feelings during their time in childcare using pooled data from the 2010, 2012, and 2013 Well-being Modules of the American Time Use Survey. Among all mothers, spending time in childcare is associated with higher positive feelings than is spending time in other activities. However, highly educated mothers do not enjoy their time in childcare more than less-educated mothers. Findings are robust to controls for mother fixed effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Ariel Kalil & Susan E. Meyer & William Delgado & Lisa A. Gennetian, 2020. "The Education Gradient in Maternal Enjoyment of Time in Childcare," Working Papers 2020-131, Becker Friedman Institute for Research In Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:bfi:wpaper:2020-131
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jo Blanden & Matthias Doepke & Jan Stuhler, 2022. "Education inequality," CEP Discussion Papers dp1849, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
    2. Ariel Kalil & Susan Mayer & Rohen Shah, 2020. "Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Family Dynamics in Economically Vulnerable Households," Working Papers 2020-143, Becker Friedman Institute for Research In Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Maternal time in childcare; mothers’ enjoyment of childcare; maternal education; time use;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D19 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Other
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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