Natural disasters and gender norms
Abstract
This empirical study investigates the effect of natural disasters on gender norms on the time allocation for market and non-market (household) labor. Using county-level natural hazards data in conjunction with the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) dataset, I find a convergence of men and women’s time allocation for market and non-market work (specifically, household activities, childcare, adult care, and community service) following a natural disaster. Further, women spent less time in household activities and childcare but dedicated more time toward adult care and community service. I also find men allocated more time toward household tasks, but concurrently spent less time in community service and caring for others. Broadly, my findings indicate gender-specific labor allocation is adaptive and responsive following major disasters.