The Decline of the Male Breadwinner and Persistence of the Female Carer: Exposure, Interests, and Micro-Macro Interactions

This paper explores the paradox between internalised ideologies and norm perceptions. Female labour force participation has risen across the world, yet men’s share of unpaid care work has not increased commensurately. It finds that a reduction in men’s incomes and job security has led to women’s employment being advantageous and a critical mass of women performing socially valued, masculine roles. Yet, few are exposed to men sharing care work, as it largely takes place in private spaces. Thus, many are less likely to assume that men taking on unpaid care work is common or socially accepted.