Measurement of behavioural gender segregation: differences in time use between women and men

Abstract

Similar to occupational gender segregation, behavioural gender segregation can be de- fined as disproportional performance of activities by women and men. Segregation indices appear very applicable to behaviour as measured by time use surveys. The analysis might be directed to participation in separate activities as well as to the time spent on them. Application of the segregation measures to data for the Netherlands 1975-1995 shows plausible and easily interpreted results. Behavioural gender segregation in the Netherlands is decreasing. That conclusion appears particu- larly valid for productive activities.