Gender Relations and Division of Labour: Changing Masculinities in Contemporary Chile

• In Event: 082 - Open Refereed Roundtable Session I
  In Refereed Roundtable: A. Table 21. International Economic Sociology II

Abstract

This paper deals with the study of gender relations, division of household labour and the construction of male identity. This topic has become relevant in the context of significant social and macroeconomic transformations, which has led to a flexible labour market characterised by atypical job positions. These changes have permeated private relationships dynamics in the family, conducting toward new forms of organising family life, as well as in redefining the traditional ways in which couples relationship are set, and also the manners parents relate to their children.

The research presented in this meeting, looks into the current gender dynamics existing in middle class families of urban Concepción, the second largest city of Chile. It enquires in how the division of household labour is set up and which are the domestic arrangements being reached. Research techniques used are in- depth- interviews and focus group to fathers and mothers, who work and have children among 0 and 14 years old.

Gathered data show that there is a very wide range of arrangements that deal with the issues involved in the division of households labour. Research findings also show that there is a different degree of male involvement in children’s upbringing, as men carry out tasks that range from entertainment to attending school meetings and others, but also are increasingly assuming responsibilities in children’s education and development. It seems to be that there is frequently a tension in the gender relations, especially in those cases where women work full-time or longer hours.

Authors

• Lucía Saldaña, University of Concepción

• Inti Fuica, University of Concepción