Caring for relatives remains women's work
07.03.2024 14:47
Home care for relatives is predominantly provided by women. This is shown by current results of a survey for the "WIdOmonitor" of the Scientific Institute of the AOK (WIdO). According to the survey, almost two-thirds (63 percent) of the people who take on the care of relatives are women. Dr. Carola Reimann, Chairwoman of the Board of the AOK Federal Association, commented on this on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8:
„"Our survey shows that caring for relatives is still predominantly women's work. It is noteworthy that the proportion of women, at 63 percent, has not decreased compared to the previous survey from 2019.".
We also need greater equality and a fairer distribution of the burdens of caring for relatives in this area of care work. The fact that almost two-thirds of family caregivers are still women highlights the continued dominance of traditional gender roles. According to the survey, women also more frequently care for their parents, parents-in-law, or children in need of care, and are therefore more involved in intergenerational care than men.
These differences are ultimately also related to the gender pay gap. Often it is simply cheaper and economically rational for couples to forgo women's lower-paid jobs in favor of caring for relatives. Closing the gaps between the sexes in fair pay and in the assumption of responsibility for caring for relatives are societal tasks that we must all bear together.“
The results are based on a survey of approximately 1,000 adult primary caregivers via the forsa.omninet online panel. Those surveyed were individuals who provide care and support to people living in their own homes. The full results will be published shortly in the "WIdOmonitor" publication series.