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A Positive Outcome of COVID-19? The Effects of Work from Home on Gender Attitudes and Household Production

Author

Listed:
  • Hiromi Hara

    (Japan Women's University)

  • Daiji Kawaguchi

    (University of Tokyo)

Abstract

One of the more substantial changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic has been the work from home (WfH) movement. However, as countries now prepare to move beyond the pandemic, the longevity of WfH remains unclear, as it involves not only the operations of businesses but of households as well. A further question is whether this pandemic-induced behavioral change might lead to more long-lasting societal effects such as a shift in gender norms. This study draws on an original panel survey dataset in Japan covering the periods before and after the onset of the pandemic to explore how engagement in WfH affects a couple's allocation of household production, work hours, and attitudes toward traditional gender norms. We find that husbands who adopt WfH increase their share of household production and also form more gender-neutral views of traditional gender roles. We also discuss the potential impact of this shift in gender attitudes on the future of WfH and the labor market.

Suggested Citation

  • Hiromi Hara & Daiji Kawaguchi, "undated". "A Positive Outcome of COVID-19? The Effects of Work from Home on Gender Attitudes and Household Production," Bank of Japan Working Paper Series 22-E-2, Bank of Japan.
    • Handle: RePEc:boj:bojwps:wp22e02
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Work from Home; Household Production; Gender Attitudes; COVID-19; Japan;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions

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