Differences in Environmental Awareness and the Division of Domestic Tasks within Couples: An Analysis of Gender Inequalities

Delphine Remillon , INED - National Institute for Demographic Studies
Mathilde Guergoat-Larivière, Université de Lille, Clersé, Cnam-CEET
Nejoua Braham, Université de Lille, Clersé, Ined

This paper examines the links between ecological transition and gender inequality, focusing on how considering ecological transition in family life could exacerbate existing gender inequalities in the division of domestic tasks between partners. Consumption practices that promote the ecological transition could increase the time spent on domestic tasks, thereby exacerbating existing gender inequalities, particularly if women are more environmentally conscious than men. To test these hypotheses, we use data from the French Families and Employers longitudinal survey (FamEmp, Ined, 2024) and binomial and multinomial logistic regression models. Firstly, we examine the factors influencing the importance placed on consuming 'organic, local or waste-free' products, particularly in relation to gender. Secondly, we explore the relationship between the level of this 'ecological awareness' and the time spent on domestic tasks. Thirdly, we analyse differences in ecological awareness within couples and its relation to an unequal gender division of domestic tasks, particularly with regard to meal preparation and the organisation of domestic life. Our findings suggest that, all other things being equal, women's greater environmental awareness increases the likelihood that they will be primarily responsible for meal preparation and household chore planning, either partially or entirely.

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 Presented in Session P3. Families, Fertility, and the Life Course 3