The chore divide: How gender equality at home shapes baby plans

Abstract

There is limited research on how women’s employment and education affect the relationship between household labor division and fertility intentions. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing recent survey data from Canada. We explore whether the distribution of routine (cooking, cleaning, dishes, and laundry) and intermittent (grocery shopping, social organization, finance, and bill paying) household tasks impacts women’s fertility plans. The findings will offer insights into the factors driving low fertility, especially within the Canadian context. This research will also contribute to ongoing discussions on the complex connections between gender equality, employment, education, and fertility.