Mexican Women Almost Double Men in Caregiving Tasks

In Mexico, women significantly outpace men in unpaid care work within households, highlighting a pressing need for a national care system. This mirrors a broader Latin American challenge to address gender inequality, promote shared responsibility, and foster sustainable, inclusive development.

Unveiling Gender Roles in Mexico’s Cultural Tapestry: The Care Disparity Dilemma

In the vibrant tapestry of Latin American cultures, where family and community often stand at the core of social life, the distribution of care work within households presents a striking reflection of entrenched gender roles. Mexico, known for its rich heritage and dynamic society, faces a critical juncture in redefining these roles. Recent findings reveal that women in Mexico dedicate nearly twice as many hours to unpaid care work as men do, a disparity that sheds light on a broader regional issue. This imbalance underscores the need for a national care system in Mexico, as emphasized by Oxfam’s Executive Director in the country, Alexandra Haas, and signals a call to action for Latin American countries to embark on a transformative journey toward gender equality and shared care responsibilities.

According to the 2022 National Survey of Household Income and Expenditure (ENIGH) by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Mexican women spend an average of 54.3 hours per week on care tasks, compared to men’s 30.2 hours. This substantial difference highlights the uneven burden of unpaid care work—a critical but often overlooked component of the economy, including caregiving and household tasks not compensated with a wage.

The push for a national care system in Mexico, as Haas advocates, aligns with broader international efforts to address this imbalance. The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) have laid out frameworks for constructing comprehensive care systems. These systems aim to foster co-responsibility among the state, the market, and individuals, thereby acknowledging and valuing the indispensable role of care work in society.

Blueprint for Equality: ECLAC’s Vision for Comprehensive Care Systems

The ECLAC’s 2021 report, “Towards the Construction of Comprehensive Care Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Elements for their Implementation,” serves as a guiding document for nations committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women through the development of care systems. These systems are envisioned not only to advance rights and impact gender equality positively but also to contribute significantly to well-being and serve as a driving force for a transformative recovery that is equal and sustainable.

The care economy encompasses all unpaid work within a household and paid care work in the labor market. Recognizing and adequately supporting this sector is crucial for balancing the care workload and ensuring the well-being of women, who traditionally shoulder most of these tasks. As Haas points out, care work is essential and should be a priority in receiving attention and support. However, it should not come at the expense of women’s well-being.

In Mexico, INEGI estimated the economic value of unpaid domestic and care work in 2022 to be over 7.2 trillion pesos (more than $423.5 billion), accounting for 24.3% of the national GDP. This staggering figure illustrates the significant contribution of unpaid care work to the economy, which remains largely invisible and undervalued in economic planning and policy-making.

Despite the critical role of care services, Haas notes that Mexico needs more breadth and coverage to meet demand. The state must ensure comprehensive care services, such as daycare, full-time schools, day activities for older people, and support for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, fostering community care initiatives and other forms of social organization of care could further alleviate the burden on women and promote a culture of shared responsibility.

The Critical Role of Comprehensive Care Systems in Latin America

This challenge is not unique to Mexico; it resonates across Latin America, where traditional gender roles and economic disparities often exacerbate the care crisis. Countries throughout the region are at various stages of developing and implementing care policies. For example, Uruguay has made significant progress in establishing a National Integrated Care System, aiming to address care needs across the life cycle, from early childhood to elder care, with a strong emphasis on gender equality.

Also read: Drought’s Grip on Mexico: A Looming Threat to Agriculture and Inflation Across Latin America

The movement toward comprehensive care systems in Latin America represents a critical step in redefining societal norms, promoting gender equality, and fostering sustainable development. By addressing the care crisis, Latin American countries can unlock the potential of half their population, enabling women to participate fully in their countries’ economic, social, and political life. This shift benefits women and contributes to the overall prosperity and resilience of societies.

As Latin American nations grapple with these issues, the journey toward equitable care systems offers an opportunity to build more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies. The path forward requires collective action, innovative policy solutions, and a commitment to transforming cultural norms around gender and care. By valuing and supporting care work—both paid and unpaid—countries can nurture the well-being of their citizens, foster economic growth, and pave the way for a future where care is recognized as a cornerstone of human prosperity and social justice.