Contextual Effects on the Gendered Division of Housework: A Cross-Country and Cross-Time Analysis

Abstract Individuals who espouse an egalitarian gender ideology as well economically independent women benefit from a more division of housework. Although these two individual-level characteristics affect the housework, each suggests different mechanism; former is anchored within economic logic and latter cultural one. Using data 25 countries 2002 2012 “Family Changing Gender Roles” modules International Social Survey Program, we examine whether country’s mean women’s labor force participation (WLFP) rate have distinct contextual effect beyond effects. We predict that housework between married or cohabitating partners will be in with higher WLFP rates attitudes, even after controlling for variables at individual level. Given cross-country convergence WLFP, but not ideology, expect to decline over time remain salient. Indeed, our multi-level analysis indicates net which was evident 2002, had disappeared by 2012. By contrast, significant become important determinant conclude further changes depend on prevalent because equalizing may reached its limit.