Story perspectives

Study Reveals Decline of Unpaid Labor Worsens Inequality

3/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study in the Journal of Public Economics finds unpaid labor, such as housework and childcare, declined 1965–2018, altering inequality in American living standards.
The income gap between high- and low-earners grew 40% under standard measures, and 66% when unpaid work is included.
The decline in unpaid labor, especially among women, pushes families to rely on paid services, increases financial strain for lower incomes, and suggests traditional measures overstate gains.

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Story summary

A study in the Journal of Public Economics finds unpaid labor, such as housework and childcare, declined 1965–2018, altering inequality in American living standards.
The income gap between high- and low-earners grew 40% under standard measures, and 66% when unpaid work is included.
The decline in unpaid labor, especially among women, pushes families to rely on paid services, increases financial strain for lower incomes, and suggests traditional measures overstate gains.