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GENDER CONVERGENCE IN THE AMERICAN HERITAGE TIME USE STUDY (AHTUS)
Kimberly Fisher1, Muriel Egerton1, Jonathan I Gershuny1
1Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex, UK.
Social Indicators Research
|June 23, 2016
Summary
This study uses harmonized time-diary data to reveal shifts in American daily life over 40 years. It finds increasing gender convergence in paid and unpaid work, impacting daily and weekly activity patterns.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Economics
- Time Use Studies
Background:
- Traditional methods for measuring time use have limitations in accuracy and reliability.
- Existing data lack standardization, hindering comprehensive historical analysis of daily life.
- Understanding how Americans allocate time is crucial for social and economic research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a new, harmonized national time-diary database covering nearly 40 years of American daily life.
- To document historical shifts in time allocation, with a focus on gendered changes in paid and unpaid work.
- To provide a more reliable and accurate measure of productive activity compared to existing methods.
Main Methods:
- Development of a comprehensive database by harmonizing national time-diary data.
- Standardization of reporting detail and matching with Census Bureau population characteristics.
- Utilizing the diary method for reliable measurement of productive activities.
Main Results:
- Documented historical shifts in Americans' time use over four decades.
- Identified complex evidence of continuing gender convergence in work hours.
- Observed gender convergence in activity distribution throughout the day/week and in joint spousal activities.
Conclusions:
- The harmonized time-diary data offer a robust tool for analyzing long-term trends in daily life.
- Evidence suggests ongoing, multifaceted gender convergence in both paid and unpaid labor.
- Future research can leverage this database to explore nuanced changes in American household and work dynamics.
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