Marc Ajenjo

More time parenting in Spain: a possible change towards gender equality?

ABSTRACT Several studies have reported that time spent by fathers on childcare has increased in recent years. This paper focuses on the involvement of Spanish fathers and mothers in childcare and it explores the socio-demographic reasons behind changes in parental time use. To this end, it analyzes couples with children under 12 in Spain, using data from the Time Use Surveys carried out in 2002–2003 and 2009–2010. The results reveal that greater male involvement in care is related to the education level and employment status of both partners, although independently. In other words, it is the socioeconomic situation of the caregiver and not of their partner that influences their participation. The paper concludes that the increasing involvement of men in childcare is not directly related to an improved gender-equal distribution of paid work and care work.