Seven out of ten mothers manage their home and children without paternal support

A new study reveals the truth about home equity in Italy. Seven out of ten mothers manage their home and children without the help of their fathers, despite their claims to the contrary. The study conducted by the “Parents” observatory and commissioned by Eumetra company, examined responses from more than 2.100 parents with children up to age 11 or expecting their first child.

7 out of 10 mothers manage the home without the help of fathers

The findings reveal that 70% of mothers are mainly or exclusively responsible for household chores and childcare, an increase from 66% in 2018. According to mothers, fathers' contribution stands at just 30%. Matteo Lucchi, CEO of Eumetra, underlines that despite a growing desire among fathers to actively participate in family life, discrepancies in distribution of the tasks remain evident, with an upward trend in recent years. The percentage of mothers who take crucial decisions for children it increased from 28% in 2018 to 46% today. Gender equality within the home therefore remains a goal that is still far from being achieved.

It should be noted that the analysis focuses mainly on decisions within the family, i.e. the “mental load” that mothers often take on without being able to delegate or share. It is not addressed issue of gender inequality in wages and, consequently, in the economic independence of mothers, a disparity that remains quite marked.

Purchasing decisions

Regarding purchasing decisions for the family, fathers are mainly involved in choices related to holidays and free time, with a share of 75% in these categories. However, mothers see themselves as the primary purchasing managers in many other areas, including products relevant to their raising children.

Lucchi highlights that, although fathers say they want to share these decisions, reality shows a different situation. Purchasing choices are more equally distributed when it comes to purchasing strollers, car seats, games, technological and financial products.

Finally, 82% of the families interviewed express concern about the future, especially regarding the current economic situation. In this case both mothers and fathers share this concern. Among the responses to the recently conducted study there is also a growing fear for the climate change , job loss, fears shared by mothers and fathers.