Division of household labor and child care in dual-earner African-American families with infants

Abstract

This study examined 63 middle- to lower-middle income dual-earner African-American mothers' and fathers' involvement in child care with their infant and in household work, and the degree of support they received for child care. Although analysis revealed gender-differentiated patterns of involvement in care giving and household work along traditional lines, African-American fathers were far from being distant or uninvolved in these activities. Father involvement in child care and household activities did not vary as a function of whether mothers worked full time or part time. The data are discussed with respect to possible gender role convergence in child care and household work in African-American families.