Genderization of care in the context of male unemployment

Abstract

In this paper we present a research design framed through feminist epistemology. Our research proposal is to study the impacts of male unemployment on the division of household chores and responsibilities in a suburb of Barcelona. Understanding the complexity of this type of research proposal, we have created a theoretical framework that allows us to understand all the aspects that we have to take in to account to undertake this study. Does (involuntary) male unemployment mean that men take on more domestic and caretaking responsibilities? Does the economic crisis change gender roles, based in the dichotomy of breadwinner/caregiver? This design draws from an array of previous studies that demonstrate that negotiations within the home often exceed the total amount of income.