Socioeconomic and demographic determinants of time spent on Unpaid Care Work in developing countries: Case study of Benin

Abstract

The unequal distribution of time among men and women across unpaid care work needs to be understood to develop appropriate strategies. The paper seeks to determine the socioeconomic and demographic factors that explain the time spent on Unpaid Care Work in Benin. To this end, a logistic regression (Tobit model) was used using data from the Harmonized Survey on Households’ Living Standards (EHCVM). Results found that the sex of individuals, education level, size of households, and regions of residence play a critical role in the time devoted to unpaid care work in Benin. So, to reduce the Unpaid Care Work in Benin, policies shall keep girls in the education system as long as possible and ensure their success. Furthermore, researchers shall investigate the socio-anthropologic rationale specific to regions regarding Unpaid Care Workload. This would help better implement the triple “R” in Benin.