Dual earner households in Britain after the birth of the first child: Some findings from a major research study

Abstract

Unlike many European countries, the employment careers of the great majority of British women are interrupted at childbirth, a situation which leads to downward occupational mobility and a substantial loss of earnings over women's life time. Findings are presented from a major longitudinal British study of two groups of first time mothers: those who returned to work and those who stayed at home at the end of maternity leave. The paper questions whether a dual full-time working life style leads to egalitarianism in the household. It concentrates on two issues: the nature and significance of mothers' financial contribution and the distribution of childcare and housework.