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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. 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.
    2. Jessen, Jonas, 2022. "Culture, children and couple gender inequality," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    3. Stratton, Leslie S., 2023. "Marriage versus Cohabitation: How Specialization and Time Use Differ by Relationship Type," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1269, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    4. Stratton, Leslie S., 2023. "Marriage versus Cohabitation: How Specialization and Time Use Differ by Relationship Type," IZA Discussion Papers 16097, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    5. 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.

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