Inequalities of Time Allocation among Male and Female Headed Household in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria: The Welfare Implications

Abstract

This study examines how male and female headed household in rural Area of Oyo state, Nigeria allocate their time to various activities in each day and the welfare implication. A time use survey was carried out among 240 headed households-174 male headed household and 66 female headed household using multistage random sampling from 10 villages. The objectives include the socio-economic characteristics of the respondent; the different activities people engage in during the day and the number of hours allocated; factors determining the number of hours allocated to each activity and gender disparity in time use. Analytical tools are descriptive statistics and regression model.Based on the findings for male headed household, the level of education and the number of hours allocated to paid work are statistically significant at 1%, for female headed household, level of education (1%) and secondary occupation (5%) are statistically significant. The more educated are able to manage their time more judiciously vis-à-vis a person with lower education. Male allocated more time to paid work and earn more while female headed household allocated more time to secondary occupation to make ends meet has the major economic supporter of their household and more time to unpaid work that has no financial compensation. Female headed operates smaller land holdings due to the challenge of social norms and values. Men enjoy leisure more than women because unpaid work (housework) has occupied their time. Based on the findings, unpaid work should not be gender biased, and FHH should be treated with passion under social norms and values. In addition, unpaid work should be monetized in System of National Account.

Keywords: time use, male headed household, female headed household and welfare.