Gender Inequality in Care Work in Colombia: What Happened During the Pandemic?

This paper investigates the intersection of socioeconomic status and race in shaping childcare practices within Colombian households during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing data from the 2020–2021 Colombian Time Use Survey, the analysis centers on “active childcare,” defined as direct and engaged interactions with children, to evaluate parental involvement across various social, economic, and racial dimensions. Significant disparities emerged, with socioeconomic status correlating positively with increased active childcare time but not with a redistribution of caregiving responsibilities between parents. Gendered norms remained pervasive, as mothers consistently performed the majority of care work, regardless of income or racial background. However, interracial couples demonstrated a more equitable division of childcare responsibilities, particularly when both partners attained higher education levels. Regional and cultural factors further influenced caregiving dynamics, highlighting the interplay between local contexts and structural inequalities. By examining how Colombian families navigated caregiving during a period of heightened societal strain, this study contributes to feminist economics literature and informs policy aimed at addressing entrenched disparities in care work.