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Rethinking Specialization and the Sexual Division of Labor in the 21st Century

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  • Peter Siminski

    (University of Technology Sydney)

  • Rhiannon Yetsenga

    (University of Technology Sydney)

Abstract

We show that comparative advantage plays little or no role in explaining the sexual division of labor. Instead, gender norms are the likely explanation. Using direct measures of within-couple specialization, we find that absolute advantage in market work has little (no) role in the time allocations of heterosexual (same-sex) couples. Sex-based specialization is much greater. We then test the predictions of a formal Beckerian model of comparative advantage. A woman would need to be 109 times more productive in market work than her male partner before reaching expected parity in domestic work, and this is likely biased downwards.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Siminski & Rhiannon Yetsenga, 2020. "Rethinking Specialization and the Sexual Division of Labor in the 21st Century," Working Paper Series 2020/04, Economics Discipline Group, UTS Business School, University of Technology, Sydney.
    • Handle: RePEc:uts:ecowps:2020/04
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    Cited by:

    1. Alessandro Cigno, 2022. "A strictly economic explanation of gender roles: the lasting legacy of the plough," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 1-13, March.
    2. Jessen, Jonas, 2022. "Culture, children and couple gender inequality," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    3. Lundberg, Shelly, 2022. "Gender Economics: Dead-Ends and New Opportunities," IZA Discussion Papers 15217, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    4. Oreffice, Sonia & Sansone, Dario, 2022. "Commuting to Work and Gender-Conforming Social Norms: Evidence from Same-Sex Couples," IZA Discussion Papers 15332, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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