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Spousal Childcare Involvement and Perceived Support for Paid Work

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ABSTRACT

This study of 76 married or cohabiting two-earner families examined the influence of spouse/partner involvement in childcare and other demand and resource variables on mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of spouse/partner support for paid work. Gender had a significant influence on the relationship between spouse/partner involvement in childcare and support for paid work. Mothers were more likely to report support for paid work when their spouse/partner shared more of the responsibilities associated with childcare. Fathers were more likely to report support for work when their spouse/partner shared fewer of the responsibilities associated with childcare. The findings also suggest that fathers’ perceptions of spouse/partner support for work are more sensitive to ecological factors than are mothers’ perceptions of support for work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Temple University, 713 Gladfelter Hall, 1115 W. Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA

    Julie Press

  2. Temple University, Ritter Hall Annex, 5th floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA

    Jay Fagan

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  1. Julie Press
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  2. Jay Fagan
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Correspondence to Jay Fagan.

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Press, J., Fagan, J. Spousal Childcare Involvement and Perceived Support for Paid Work. J Fam Econ Iss 27, 354–374 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-006-9009-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-006-9009-8

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