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Are Men's Preferences for Couple Equity Misperceived? Evidence from Six Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Teodora Boneva

    (University of Bonn)

  • Ana Brás-Monteiro

    (University of Zurich)

  • Marta Golin

    (International Labour Organization (ILO) & University of Zurich)

  • Christopher Rauh

    (Instituto de Análisis Económico (IAE-CSIC), Barcelona School of Economics, University of Cambridge)

Abstract

Gender gaps in labor supply and household responsibilities persist. Using representative survey data from 24,000 respondents across six countries, this paper explores the actual and perceived preferences of men for couple equity. We document that in all six countries the majority of men state they prefer an equitable division of tasks within the household. At the same time, the actual share of men preferring couple equity is systematically underestimated in all six countries. The perceived shares vary substantially across the population, and they are positively associated with respondents' own preferences for couple equity. Providing respondents with truthful information about the actual share of men preferring couple equity in their country shifts individual beliefs, own stated preferences for couple equity, as well as the willingness to pay for it. The estimated treatment effects are mainly driven by respondents who initially underestimated the actual share.

Suggested Citation

  • Teodora Boneva & Ana Brás-Monteiro & Marta Golin & Christopher Rauh, 2024. "Are Men's Preferences for Couple Equity Misperceived? Evidence from Six Countries," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 348, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:ajk:ajkdps:348
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Subjective expectations; pluralistic ignorance; identity; norms; couple equity; parental labor supply;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education

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