Impact of women's employment rate on informal care for dependent elders: prospects for Moroccan society[Impact du taux d'emploi des femmes sur l'aide informelle aux séniors dépendants : perspectives pour la société marocaine]

The presented study examines the significant impact of the rise in women's employment rates on the provision of informal care to dependent seniors, with a particular focus on the French context and extrapolating potential implications for Moroccan society. The central research question revolves around the effect of the increase in female participation in the labor market on the availability and quality of informal care provided to the elderly who require sustained care. This inquiry is motivated by the growing recognition of the vital role informal care plays in maintaining dependent seniors at home, a practice deeply rooted in both French and Moroccan social values. To address this issue, the study relies on a mixed methodology, combining the analysis of quantitative data from the Daily Life and Health (VQS) surveys and the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) with a qualitative approach to deepen the understanding of interpersonal and family dynamics influencing care provision. The econometric methodology used allows isolating the effect of female employment on informal care. The study's findings reveal a negative correlation between the increase in women's employment rates and the availability of informal care for seniors. Specifically, it appears that the growing integration of women into the workforce leads to a reduction in the time and resources available for informal care, highlighting a growing challenge for the sustainability of care systems for dependent elderly individuals. This trend is particularly concerning in the context of rapid demographic aging and the increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly population. The conclusion of the study emphasizes the urgency for policymakers, both in France and Morocco, to recognize and address the consequences of these labor market dynamics on the informal care system. It suggests that the development of innovative and gender-sensitive public policies, which facilitate the balance between professional responsibilities and caring for loved ones, will be crucial to ensure the continuity and quality of support provided to dependent seniors.