Equality Deferred: Gender Disparities in Leisure Time across Co-residing and Commuter Marriages in South Korea

• In Event: Asia and Asian American Section Roundtables Session
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 6: Asia and Asian America Section Roundtable - Gender

Abstract

While the literature understands commuter marriages as a site for gender egalitarianism, few studies have explored leisure as a domain of gendered practice. This study investigates gendered patterns of leisure time among co-residing and commuter couples in South Korea, where the number of commuter marriages has significantly increased since the early 21st century. Employing data from a recent nationally representative time diary study, it examines whether commuter arrangements help reduce gender disparities in time use—particularly in leisure—and identifies factors shaping such outcomes for commuter couples. Findings reveal that although men consistently enjoy more leisure time than women, the gender gap is narrower among commuter couples—especially on weekdays—largely due to increased leisure among commuter wives. Commuter husbands, in contrast, face greater domestic demands in their wives’ absence. However, women still perform more unpaid labor, and occupational demands and childcare reduce their leisure time in commuter marriages. This study suggests that commuter marriages represent a transitional form of gender negotiation—offering both opportunities and limits in undoing gender—and highlights the importance of daily practices and partner attitudes in promoting greater equality.

Author

• Yun-Suk Lee