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

Author

Listed:
  • Boneva, Teodora

    (University of Bonn)

  • Brás-Monteiro, Ana

    (University of Zurich)

  • Golin, Marta

    (University of Zurich)

  • Rauh, Christopher

    (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

  • Boneva, Teodora & Brás-Monteiro, Ana & Golin, Marta & Rauh, Christopher, 2024. "Are Men's Preferences for Couple Equity Misperceived? Evidence from Six Countries," IZA Discussion Papers 17493, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17493
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Armin Falk & Anke Becker & Thomas Dohmen & David Huffman & Uwe Sunde, 2023. "The Preference Survey Module: A Validated Instrument for Measuring Risk, Time, and Social Preferences," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 69(4), pages 1935-1950, April.
    2. Grewenig, Elisabeth & Lergetporer, Philipp & Werner, Katharina, 2020. "Gender Norms and Labor-Supply Expectations: Experimental Evidence from Adolescents," Rationality and Competition Discussion Paper Series 259, CRC TRR 190 Rationality and Competition.
    3. Raquel Fernández & Alessandra Fogli & Claudia Olivetti, 2004. "Mothers and Sons: Preference Formation and Female Labor Force Dynamics," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 119(4), pages 1249-1299.
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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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