The Viability of the Universal Caregiver Model Analysis of the unequal involvement of men in child caring responsibilities; a study of professional Ecuadorian men

Description: The unequal involvement of men in child caring responsibilities has influenced women?s access to economic resources. The occupational segregation present in most areas of the economy is a concern for gender and development scholars and professionals. More male participation in care work points towards gender equity. This study gives insight into the degree in which the unequal participation in care work is a choice or a response to constrains for professional men living in Quito. Using interviews as primary sources of information, it illustrates men?s perception of childcare responsibilities. The findings reveal that even though new generation of parents are experiencing improvements in the share of caring roles, the division of labor still maintains gender constructs that place mothers in the private sphere and fathers in the public. Six factors were identified as influential to the degree of parental involvement. The analysis discusses how gendered institutionalized processes define the division of labor and create paradoxes in fatherhood. Following, it analyses the restrictions faced when pursuing the capability to care and makes a brief assessment of gender inequalities with a capabilities approach. Finally it evaluates the viability of adopting a universal caregiver model in the market economy with its social implications.

Topic: SEGREGACI?N OCUPACIONAL
ECONOM?A
FEMINISNO
EQUIDAD DE G?NERO
PATERNIDAD

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