Time-use data are an essential tool to understand how people allocate their time across different activities. Examples include paid work, unpaid domestic work, leisure, and self-care. This information provides valuable insights into productivity, how our societies are structured, and the overall well-being of the population. Additionally, such data are indispensable for public policy formulation and economic inclusion.
The Importance of Time-Use Data
Well-being extends beyond income or consumption and is closely linked to how individuals distribute their time. Time-use surveys have revealed significant disparities in the allocation of time between paid and unpaid work, highlighting how established roles can limit women’s economic opportunities. By making unpaid domestic work visible, this data contributes to designing solutions that promote labor market participation and equitable distribution of responsibilities within households and families. The importance of collecting this data has been globally recognized.
Availability of Time-Use Data in Latin America and the Caribbean
Over the last two decades, according to a report by ECLAC, 23 countries in the region have conducted at least one data collection on time use, and 10 have estimated the economic value of unpaid domestic work. Some have gone further, integrating this information into their national accounts to reflect the economic contribution of unpaid work. However, challenges persist, including the irregularity of such surveys and methodological diversity, which complicates comparative analysis between countries.
Without consistent and regularly available time-use data, it will be challenging to monitor progress or evaluate the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing these disparities. Institutionalizing time-use surveys as a regular component of national statistical programs would improve the ability to effectively monitor and work towards equality among individuals.
Time-Use Data and Equality
Time-use surveys consistently show that a disproportionate share of unpaid domestic and caregiving work falls on women. This is reflected in the region’s data, showing that, on average, women perform more than 77% of household tasks and over 71% of caregiving duties. This unequal division restricts their opportunities for paid employment and career advancement. Additionally, time poverty often limits the ability to acquire further education, work, or increase civic and political participation. Fortunately, many countries are incorporating time-use data into their development policies, facilitating the implementation of public policies to address this issue.
Distribution of Unpaid Household Work, Care, and Paid Work, Men versus Women
Improving Availability and Use of This Data
Time-use data are a fundamental resource for understanding and addressing inequalities in the region. By collecting and utilizing this data, policymakers can design initiatives that recognize the value of unpaid work, support equality, and create greater economic opportunities.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has been an ally in regional efforts to improve the availability of this information. For example, it has provided technical assistance to Brazil’s government in designing pilots for data collection. Similarly, it has supported data gathering through population censuses, such as in Suriname, among others. However, there is still ample room to enhance the availability and use of such statistics through better institutionalization, greater harmonization of methods, integration into public policy planning, and increased public awareness of these statistics.
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