Gender Differences in Employment and the Informal Care of Adults

ABSTRACT

This study compares gender differences among employed informal caregivers of disabled adults. Female caregivers, as compared to male caregivers, had significantly lower household incomes and were assisting care recipients with higher levels of cognitive and behavioral impairments. Female caregivers also reported higher levels of caregiving strain, work interference, and role strain, after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics and caregiving and employment resources and demands. Female employees were significantly more likely than males to endorse a number of work place programs and benefits as helpful in meeting their adult care responsibilities. The implications of these findings are discussed.