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Racial Discrimination and Household Chores

Author

Listed:
  • Grossbard, Shoshana

    (San Diego State University)

  • Gimenez-Nadal, José Ignacio

    (University of Zaragoza)

  • Molina, José Alberto

    (University of Zaragoza)

Abstract

We make the novel argument that time spent on household chores can possibly reflect racial discrimination based on color. Our model, based on Becker's theory of allocation of time and his theory of marriage, recognizes that both intra-household bargaining and hedonic marriage markets operating with the help of an implicit price mechanism can lead to a premium for those who perform chores work in households and have lighter skin than their partners. Conversely, those with darker skin need to pay a compensating differential. To test our model, we design a 'race difference' scale that captures each partner’s race and ranges between 2 and -2. Based on the American Time Use Survey 2003-2009 we find that for every unit bringing a couple closer to the case of a "White" respondent and a "Black" partner, the respondent reduces his or her weekly hours of chores work by 37 minutes. Marriage markets appear to be influenced by racial discrimination based on color.

Suggested Citation

  • Grossbard, Shoshana & Gimenez-Nadal, José Ignacio & Molina, José Alberto, 2010. "Racial Discrimination and Household Chores," IZA Discussion Papers 5345, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp5345
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Chunbei Wang & Le Wang, 2012. "The effects of 9/11 on intermarriage between natives and immigrants to the U.S," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 10(2), pages 171-192, June.
    2. Markus Grabka & Jan Marcus & Eva Sierminska, 2015. "Wealth distribution within couples," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 13(3), pages 459-486, September.
    3. Chiappori, Pierre-André & Oreffice, Sonia & Quintana-Domeque, Climent, 2016. "Black–White Marital Matching: Race, Anthropometrics, And Socioeconomics," Journal of Demographic Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 82(4), pages 399-421, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    racial discrimination; compensating differentials; household chores; time use;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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