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 by younion _ Die Daseinsgewerkschaft sheds light on the disturbing reality that over the past 40 years there has been little progress in fairly dividing 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 wide range of activities, from childcare and caring for relatives to helping neighbors. As early as 1981, in the first time-use survey, women performed 77 percent of these tasks. And although social attitudes have changed over the years, that share had fallen to only just under two-thirds in the most recent survey in 2021/22. A large portion of this work remains unaccounted for in statistics because it is often classified as volunteer work, which makes it even more invisible.
The wage gap and its far-reaching consequences
The unequal distribution of care work has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the private sphere. Women feel the burden of this inequality most acutely in rural areas, where infrastructure and childcare options are often in short supply. This distribution not only widens the wage gap between men and women but also increases the risk of old-age poverty for women. Social and financial recognition of care work remains limited both privately and professionally.
Structural challenges and necessary reforms
Sabine Slimar-Weißmann, the executive federal women's chairwoman of younion, emphasizes the need for structural change. "Care work is a central contribution to society. It must no longer remain invisible, unpaid and predominantly female." The mental burden that comes with organizing 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 calling for concrete measures to close the gender care gap. These include a legal entitlement to free, comprehensive early childhood education and childcare facilities from the first year of life, as well as the expansion of care and support facilities. The introduction of the pay transparency directive and the ÖGB-AK family working-time model are also on the agenda. These measures are intended to help break up traditional gender roles 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 social structures. In the 1950s and 1960s it was common in many Western countries, including Austria, for women to stay at home and devote themselves exclusively to household tasks 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 responsibilities. These political frameworks have helped make the distribution of care work there much more balanced than in Austria.
The impact on citizens and society
The unequal distribution of care work has not only individual but also societal effects. Women who carry out the majority of this work often have less time for professional development, which leads to fewer career prospects and thus lower incomes. This, in turn, affects the entire economy, since the potential of a large segment of the population is not fully utilized.
Expert opinions and future outlook
Experts warn that without significant political and societal changes, inequality will persist. "It is crucial that we change the structures that sustain these inequalities," says Judith Hintermeier, Federal Women's Representative of younion. The demand for structural change is not just a feminist concern but a societal imperative.
A positive outlook for the future requires bold decisions by policymakers to fundamentally change systems and create equal opportunities for men and women. This includes educational initiatives that challenge traditional gender roles 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 policymakers, 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.
