Do We Invest Less Time in Children? Trends in Parental Time in Selected Industrialized Countries Since the 1960s
Syracuse University Center for Policy Research Working Paper No. 64
44 Pages Posted: 16 Apr 2011
Date Written: June 1, 2004
Abstract
This paper examines trends in parental time in selected industrialized countries since the 1960s using time-use survey data. Despite the time pressures to which today’s families are confronted, parents appear to be devoting more time to children than they did some 40 years ago. Results also suggest a decrease in the differences between fathers and mothers in time devoted to children. Mothers continue to devote more time to childcare than fathers, but the gender gap has been reduced. These results are observed in several countries and therefore suggest a large global trend towards an increase in parental time investment with their children.
JEL Classification: J11, J13, O57
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation