A summary of research on families, gender equality, and income in Canada
April 12, 2022
The gender income gap is traditionally explained by education and work-related factors. This study offers a new perspective by considering contexts of family stage and gendered expectations within the home.
This Research Snapshot shares findings from survey data analysis that explores the relationship between income and time spent on domestic work and paid work.
The researchers grouped participants into three categories: single without children, married without children, and married with children. They found that the gender income gap is related to the amount of time spent on household work and child care, which is done primarily by women. They found that the gender income gap is not significant for men and women who are single but becomes important when they marry. The largest time use and income gaps are among married couples with children.
This research contributes to the national understanding of the Family Structure and Family Work components of the Vanier Institute’s Family Diversities and Wellbeing Framework, by highlighting the connection between income inequality and gender inequality within family structures.
Study citation: Buchanan, T., McFarlane, A., & Das, A. (2021). Examining the family dynamics of the Canadian gender income gap. SN Social Sciences, 1(4), 99. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-021-00103-y
