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The Gender Gap in Children’s Educational Time Investments in Informal Settlements

Author

Listed:
  • Michelle Escobar Carías

    (The University of Melbourne, Department of Economics)

  • Nicole Black

    (Monash University, Monash Business School, Centre for Health Economics)

  • David Johnston

    (Monash University, Monash Business School, Centre for Health Economics)

  • Rohan Sweeney

    (Monash University, Monash Business School, Centre for Health Economics)

  • Fiona S. Barker

    (Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences)

  • Rosnaena

    (RISE Program Indonesia)

  • Syaidah Syamsul

    (RISE Program Indonesia)

  • Taniela Waka

    (RISE Program Fiji)

Abstract

We document gender differences in children’s time investments in education, labour, and leisure in an understudied population of children living in urban informal settlements. Using within-settlement and within-sibling comparisons, we find that boys spend significantly less time than girls on schooling and homework and more time on leisure activities. We also find that caregivers invest less time in helping their sons with reading and homework than their daughters. One possible explanation is that girls spend more time on domestic work. As a result, as the share of girls in the household increases, primary caregivers spend less time on domestic work and more time on other activities such as teaching children. We find that the gender gaps in time use are more pronounced among children whose parents have lower schooling and more financial constraints.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle Escobar Carías & Nicole Black & David Johnston & Rohan Sweeney & Fiona S. Barker & Rosnaena & Syaidah Syamsul & Taniela Waka, 2024. "The Gender Gap in Children’s Educational Time Investments in Informal Settlements," Papers 2024-10, Centre for Health Economics, Monash University.
    • Handle: RePEc:mhe:chemon:2024-10
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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