Non-cash transfers and the gender contract. Implications of the economic crisis in Italy

The recent emergence of a widespread economic recession and financial crisis has arisen new questions on the equity of the gender contract. This study builds on time use data to estimate sex-specific age profiles of non-market production, consumption and transfers in Italy for three years before, during and after the beginning of the economic turmoil: 2002-2003, 2008-2009 and 2013-2014. We carry out detailed analysis of gender differences in time allocation during the life course, with a focus on leisure inequality. Comparing results for the three years, we aim to evaluate whether and to what extent the financial crisis has affected levels and directions of non-cash familial transfers as well as gender division of work. Finally, information on subjective wellbeing and the perception of the use of time is used to complement our analysis of the equality of the gender contract.