Gender Differences in Immigrant Assimilation Activities in the US: Evidence from Time-Use Data

Abstract

This study uses the American Time Use Survey for 2003–17 to explore gender differences in time allocated toward activities that facilitate immigrant assimilation, including activities outside the home, with non-family members, and in paid work, education, and shopping. The study finds that among the first and 1.5 generations, respectively, wives spend seventy-nine and thirty-one minutes less per day than husbands in market work, education, and shopping, whereas there is no gender gap among second, 2.5, and third-and-higher generations. Moreover, in first- and 1.5-generation families, husbands spend more time on activities outside the home and with non-family members. This pattern suggests that time used in assimilation activities among first- and 1.5-generation families reflects gender inequality, which could increase women’s dependence on husbands for assimilation. Women from countries with conservative gender roles allocate less time to assimilation activities, but this association dissipates across generations. HIGHLIGHTS This study investigates whether assimilation increases or reduces gender inequality across immigrant generations. Time allocation is more gendered among first-generation immigrants. There is no such gender gap among second and higher generations. Women from countries with traditional gender norms spend less time on assimilation activities. But this association dissipates across generations.