AEA Papers and Proceedings
ISSN 2574-0768 (Print) | ISSN 2574-0776 (Online)
Family Structure and Childcare in Sub-Saharan Africa
AEA Papers and Proceedings
vol. 114,
May 2024
(pp. 449–53)
Abstract
Extended family members can help women with childcare. Using data from 32 sub-Saharan African countries, we find that the prevalence of nuclear families relative to extended families is increasing over time. The overall share of nuclear families is 56 percent and is higher in rural areas. We then use detailed time-use data on childcare provision from 110 rural villages in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We find that while women do receive childcare assistance from their extended family, they provide 84 percent of childcare hours. These results highlight the need for formal childcare provision, particularly in rural areas.Citation
Donald, Aletheia, Sara Lowes, and Julia Vaillant. 2024. "Family Structure and Childcare in Sub-Saharan Africa." AEA Papers and Proceedings, 114: 449–53. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20241012Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- J12 Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure; Domestic Abuse
- J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
- J16 Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
- O15 Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
- O18 Economic Development: Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure