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Do We Invest Less Time in Children? Trends in Parental Time in Selected Industrialized Countries Since the 1960's

Author

Listed:
  • Anne H. Gauthier

    (Department of Sociology, University of Calgary)

  • Timothy M. Smeeding
  • Frank F. Furstenberg, Jr.

    (Department of Sociology, University of Pennsylvania)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne H. Gauthier & Timothy M. Smeeding & Frank F. Furstenberg, Jr., 2004. "Do We Invest Less Time in Children? Trends in Parental Time in Selected Industrialized Countries Since the 1960's," Center for Policy Research Working Papers 64, Center for Policy Research, Maxwell School, Syracuse University.
    • Handle: RePEc:max:cprwps:64
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    File URL: https://surface.syr.edu/cpr/99/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Rosa Vilaseca & Magda Rivero & Fina Ferrer & Rosa María Bersabé, 2020. "Parenting behaviors of mothers and fathers of young children with intellectual disability evaluated in a natural context," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(10), pages 1-20, October.
    3. Lisa A. Gennetian & Christopher Rodrigues, 2021. "Mothers’ and Fathers’ Time Spent with Children in the U.S.: Variations by Race/Ethnicity Within Income from 2003 to 2013," Journal of Economics, Race, and Policy, Springer, vol. 4(1), pages 34-46, March.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • O57 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Comparative Studies of Countries

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