Gender and Parenthood Disparities in Work Time Fragmentation in the United States

• In Event: 40465 - Demography and the Future of Work

Abstract

Objective: This study examines gender and parenthood disparities in work time fragmentation in the U.S. and explores how these associations vary by occupational class.
Background: Although gender and parenthood disparities in labor market outcomes and family responsibilities are well studied, their manifestation in work time fragmentation remains underexplored. With the expansion of flexible labor markets in the U.S., work time fragmentation has become more prevalent. Analyzing it through time-use data offers unique insights beyond traditional measures, enhancing our understanding of the interplay between work and family responsibilities.
Method: Using data from the American Time Use Survey 2003-2023 and multiple linear regressions, this study analyses workday diaries from 76,919 workers to investigate gender and parenthood disparities in work time fragmentation, and how the patterns vary by occupational class.
Results: Women experience greater fragmentation than men. Women with dependent children exhibit greater work time fragmentation compared to their childless counterparts, with this disparity notably pronounced in higher occupational classes. In contrast, men’s work time fragmentation is not associated with their parenthood status and remains similarly low across different occupations.
Conclusion: This study is the first to examine gender and parenthood disparities in work time fragmentation, extending previous research on labor market outcomes by introducing this new dimension. The findings highlight the importance of equitable parental leave, shared caregiving responsibilities, and supportive workplace structures in mitigating these disparities and fostering equity in work-family dynamics.

Authors

• Sizhan Cui, Nanjing University

• Zhuofei Lu, University of Oxford

• Senhu Wang