Emerging male profiles in the distribution of household chores in Spain

In recent years, social changes have occurred that may lead to certain shifts in expectations and orientations regarding the role men should play in domestic tasks. The main objective of this study is to determine the different profiles of men according to their dedication to domestic tasks, as well as to analyze the extent to which these profiles correlate or not with their beliefs and perceptions about how they should be. Using the latest available databases from the CIS Family and Gender Barometer, this study presents a typology of male profiles according to their dedication, with a special focus on emerging forms of distribution of domestic tasks in Spain, which we call co-responsible men. The results show an increase in male profiles at the extremes of domestic dedication. In recent years, there has been an increase in both the proportion of co-responsible men and those who report not devoting time to domestic tasks. Paradoxically, in households where women dedicate more time to domestic tasks, we find a greater likelihood of men being co-responsible. All the male profiles identified show a high degree of heterogeneity in attitudes and beliefs about gender equality and the distribution of tasks. Despite the existence of a more egalitarian disposition regarding the distribution of domestic tasks, the study shows the persistence of high levels of gender inequality.