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Specialization, Comparative Advantage, and the Sexual Division of Labor

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  • Peter Siminski
  • Rhiannon Yetsenga

Abstract

Recent work situates gender norms as a key driver of the sexual division of labor. But the explanatory power of Becker’s comparative advantage explanation is still not well understood. Drawing on unique data, we test the predictions of a formal Beckerian model. We complement this by proposing and analyzing new measures of specialization. We show that comparative advantage plays little or no role in the sexual division of labor within couple households. Absolute advantage also plays no role in specialization for same-sex couples, and this is not explained by having fewer children.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Siminski & Rhiannon Yetsenga, 2022. "Specialization, Comparative Advantage, and the Sexual Division of Labor," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 40(4), pages 851-887.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlabec:doi:10.1086/718430
    DOI: 10.1086/718430
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    Cited by:

    1. Marie Blaise & Sandrine Juin & Hélène Le Forner & Quitterie Roquebert, 2024. "I care, you clean? Gendered effects of informal care on couple housework and leisure time," LISER Working Paper Series 2024-05, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER).
    2. Jessen, Jonas & Schweighofer-Kodritsch, Sebastian & Weinhardt, Felix & Berkes, Jan, 2023. "Separate Housework Spheres," VfS Annual Conference 2023 (Regensburg): Growth and the "sociale Frage" 277659, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    3. Cavapozzi, Danilo & Francesconi, Marco & Nicoletti, Cheti, 2024. "Dividing Housework between Partners: Individual Preferences and Social Norms," IZA Discussion Papers 17370, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    4. Jessen, Jonas, 2022. "Culture, children and couple gender inequality," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    5. Leslie S. Stratton, 2023. "Marriage Versus Cohabitation: How Specialization and Time Use Differ by Relationship Type," Research in Labor Economics, in: Time Use in Economics, volume 51, pages 187-218, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
    6. Iga Magda & Ewa Cukrowska-Torzewska & Marta Palczyńska, 2024. "What if She Earns More? Gender Norms, Income Inequality, and the Division of Housework," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 45(1), pages 1-20, March.
    7. Oreffice, Sonia & Sansone, Dario, 2023. "Commuting to work and gender norms by sexual orientation," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).

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