New research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has shed light on how mothers and fathers in the UK are balancing work and family responsibilities under the current lockdown conditions. The study indicates a notable widening of the gender gap in domestic and professional duties, with mothers taking on a disproportionately larger share of childcare while fathers are increasing their paid working hours.
According to the IFS findings, mothers are now dedicating an average of 10 hours more per week to childcare compared to fathers. This figure underscores a significant shift in household dynamics since the implementation of lockdown measures, which have seen schools close and many parents working from home. Conversely, fathers in couples are found to be spending an additional five hours per week on paid work than their female partners, suggesting a divergence in how each parent is adapting to the new circumstances.
The report highlights that women in couples are, on average, spending 17 hours less per week on paid work during the lockdown period. This reduction is not mirrored by fathers, who have seen a smaller decrease in their paid working hours. The data also reveals disparities in how parents integrate work with childcare; only 33% of mothers are engaging in paid work during their childcare hours, a stark contrast to 45% of fathers who manage to combine these responsibilities.
This imbalance extends to total work, encompassing both paid employment and childcare. The IFS analysis suggests that the overall gender gap in these combined responsibilities has widened since the lockdown began. While both parents are undoubtedly facing increased pressures, the study indicates that mothers are bearing the brunt of the additional childcare demands, potentially impacting their career progression and financial stability in the long term.
The implications of these findings are substantial, pointing to a potential reinforcement of traditional gender roles within households. As the UK navigates the ongoing pandemic, understanding these shifts in parental responsibilities is crucial for policymakers considering future support mechanisms for families and for employers aiming to foster equitable working environments.