Relative vs. Absolute Inequality? The Division of Housework among Dual Earner Couples

• In Event: 054 - Section on the Sociology of the Family Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 02. Domestic and Reproductive Labor

Abstract

This paper focus on the division of housework among married, dual earner couples in the United States. Using Tobit regression estimates on American Time Use Study (ATUS), we test bargaining theory and gender role threat theory to determine the effects of earning difference among dual earner couples. However, almost all previous studies have measured inequality by looking at relative income. In this paper, we compare the effects of both relative and absolute income inequality between dual-earner couples and show that
When we look at cooking separately, we see a marked difference in the way cooking is negotiated among dual earner couples.

Author

• Yasemin Besen-Cassino, Montclair State University