A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY TO UNDERSTAND GENDER INEQUALITIES IN TIME SPENT DOING HOUSEWORK BY CHILDREN IN RAJASTHAN, INDIA AND FACTORS AFFECTING THEM

Background: Gender disparities in housework division are welldocumented globally, with women and girls often shouldering a disproportionate share of unpaid domestic labor. This study investigates the gender gap in time spent on housework among children aged 11-18 years in Rajasthan, India, and examines the factors influencing these differences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 children across urban and rural households. Data on time spent on housework, socio-economic status, family structure, and parental education were collected through structured validated questionnaires. Gender-specific patterns in housework and factors influencing time spent on domestic tasks were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models. Results: Girls spent significantly more time on housework than boys, with the gap increasing with age. By the age of 17-18, girls spent three times more time on indoor chores than boys. Boys, particularly in the 14-16 age groups, were more engaged in studying and homework. The most significant predictor of the gender gap was maternal education; households with highly educated mothers showed a narrower gap in housework division. Conclusion: The study highlights the persistence of traditional gender roles in household labor among children in Rajasthan, with girls consistently performing more housework. Maternal education emerged as a critical factor in promoting gender equality in domestic tasks. Policy interventions aimed at challenging gender norms and encouraging more equitable distribution of household chores are essential for reducing these disparities.