Time Allocation Pattern across Region and Gender: A case study of Pakistan

Abstract

Allocation of time for various activities is determined by economic and non economic factors such as gender; particularly the gender division of household work is a useful indicator for assessing social norms and customs. The major objective of the present study is to assess the allocation of time for market, expenditure saving market and non-market activities by gender, age groups (10–14, 15–25, 26–45 and 46–60), across region and province. The study is unique because paid market hours, expenditure saving market hours and household hours are analyzed separately for individuals residing in Pakistan. Data is gathered from Labour Force Survey (LFS) of Pakistan for the year 2017-18. Both descriptive statistics and empirical assessment is employed for the assessement purpose. The study indicates that average hours of female household work are higher than male, especially in urban and rural Punjab. Findings also indicate that female average household hours are higher for the age group 26–45. As in this age group they have relatively higher responsibilities of child bearing and rearing and are involved in other domestic chores. Average paid market hours of male work are higher than female, as he is considered the bread earner of a family. In spite of the fact that in recent decades a growing number of women are entering the labour force,her time allocation for household work has not changed significantly. This study suggests that awareness about a fair distribution of responsibilities between men and women should be created in order to reduce the significant gender gap in labour force participation in Pakistan which will help to achieve set target 8.8 of SDG. Time allocation pattern across region and gender: A case study of Pakistan