The Unassuming Economist

A new IMF report finds that “Societal attitudes in which males contribute to household work could be a powerful lever both to increase female labor force participation, and increase fertility. If women can get more child rearing support from their husbands, it would be easier for them to continue to work. However, with 85 percent of full-time employees working overtime, it is difficult in reality to share the childcare burdens among a working couple if both of them have regular works. Men’s commitment to house work and family responsibilities can have a significant impact on fertility. Data suggests that the more time spent by a husband in house work and childcare, the higher the changes that couples will have a second child.”

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