A long-overdue topic: Unpaid care work
On March 1, Equal Care Day, an issue comes into focus that has shaped gender debates in Austria for decades: the unequal distribution of unpaid care work between men and women. A recent press release from younion _ Die Daseinsgewerkschaft sheds light on the shocking reality that in the past 40 years there has been hardly any progress in the fair sharing of these essential tasks. This work, which forms the backbone of our society, is still largely carried out by women.
Hidden work: The invisible burden on women
Unpaid care work includes a variety of activities, from childcare to caring for relatives to neighbourhood support. As early as 1981, in the first time-use survey, women performed 77 percent of this work. And although social attitudes have changed over the years, this share has only fallen to just under two-thirds in the most recent survey 2021/22. A large part of this work remains unaccounted for in statistics, as it is often classified as volunteer work, which makes it even more invisible.
The pay gap and its far-reaching consequences
The unequal distribution of care work has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the private sphere. Especially in rural regions, where infrastructure and childcare options are often lacking, women feel the burden of this inequality most strongly. This distribution not only reinforces the pay gap between men and women, but also leads to an increased risk of old-age poverty for women. Societal and financial recognition of care work remains low both in private and professional spheres.
Structural challenges and necessary reforms
Sabine Slimar-Weißmann, the executive federal women's chair of younion, emphasizes the need for structural change. "Care work is a central service of society. It must no longer remain invisible, unpaid and predominantly female." The mental burden associated with organising everyday life is also predominantly borne by women and leads to health strains. Women do live longer, but often in poorer health.
Political measures called for
younion is demanding concrete measures to close the gender-care gap. These include a legal entitlement to free-of-charge, nationwide early childhood education and care facilities from the first year of life, as well as the expansion of nursing and care facilities. The introduction of the pay transparency directive and the ÖGB-AK family working time model are also on the agenda. These measures should help break up traditional role models and distribute care work more fairly.
- Legal entitlement to comprehensive childcare
- Expansion of care facilities
- Implementation of the pay transparency directive
- ÖGB-AK family working time model
A look into history and a comparison with other countries
Historically, the unequal distribution of care work is deeply rooted in societal structures. In the 1950s and 1960s it was common in many Western countries, including Austria, for women to stay at home and take care exclusively of the household and children. Although the situation has improved since then, current data show that we are still far from true equality.
A comparison with the Scandinavian countries shows that political measures can make a significant difference. In Sweden, for example, there has long been a generous parental leave model that encourages both parents to share childcare. These political frameworks have contributed to a much more balanced distribution of care work there than in Austria.
The impact on citizens and society
The unequal distribution of care work has not only individual but also societal impacts. Women who do the majority of this work often have less time for professional development, which leads to poorer career prospects and thus lower incomes. This in turn affects the entire economy, as the potential of a large population group is not fully utilized.
Expert opinions and outlook
Experts warn that without significant political and societal changes the inequality will persist. "It is crucial that we change the structures that sustain these inequalities," says Judith Hintermeier, federal women's officer of younion. The demand for structural change is not only a feminist concern but a societal necessity.
A positive outlook for the future requires courageous decisions by political decision-makers to fundamentally change systems and create equal opportunities for men and women. This includes educational initiatives that question traditional role models and the promotion of men in care professions.
Conclusion: A call to action
Equal Care Day reminds us that equality is more than just a buzzword. It is a call to action for political decision-makers, businesses and society as a whole. Only through joint efforts can we create a future in which care work is no longer invisible and unevenly distributed.
