The sexual division of reproductive work in Mexico: experiences, practices and meanings of young couples with double income

Abstract

The objective of this article is to analyze the practices and experiences of the division of reproductive work in heterosexual couples of double income that cohabit. Our epistemic-methodological positioning is qualitative with a gender perspective. We conducted interviews to deepen the meanings constructed from the distribution of household and family responsibilities. We analyze the interviews following the logic of categorical content analysis. We expose the results in four categories: traditional trend; inequal non-traditional trend; transition tendency; rupture tendency. In each category we delve into domestic tasks, care and management of economic resources. We conclude that young couples with double income experience processes of transformation in their practices and meanings about the sexual division of reproductive work. Some forms of distribution of tasks favor gender equity; others generate inequality and perpetuate oppression of women. Likewise, we conclude that double income in couples does not necessarily mean that there is greater family co-responsibility, which generates conflicts for women, such as double presence and glass frontiers. On the other hand, couples who are flexible in the face of traditional gender roles and stereotypes and who maintain fair practices face cultural, structural and subjective barriers that hamper gender equity.