Domestic Labor in the Shadow of Paid Work: A Gendered US Time-Use Analysis

Using data from the American Time Use Survey and hurdle regression models, this study examines how the gender composition of occupations relates to time spent on housework and childcare. We find that women in male-dominated occupations spend more time on housework than those in female-dominated or gender-neutral fields, suggesting that breaking occupational norms in the labor market does not necessarily translate into less traditional domestic roles. Such mothers are less likely to engage in childcare, although when involved spent the same amount of time on childcare and quality time, and higher earnings are associated with more time spent with children. For men, the patterns differ: fathers in gender-neutral or female-dominated occupations are more likely to participate in childcare and devote more time to it, while those in male-dominated jobs are more likely to report no childcare at all. Increased paternal childcare does not coincide with more housework, indicating a selective reallocation of time. The findings highlight the need for policies that address both occupational segregation and the domestic division of labor to promote gender equality at work and at home.