According to Bouton's view on the domestic division of labour, surveys often misrepresent how much childcare men actually do. Which statement best captures her stance?

According to Bouton's view on the domestic division of labour, surveys often misrepresent how much childcare men actually do. Which statement best captures her stance?

• A. Surveys exaggerate how much childcare men actually do.
• B. Men actually do most childcare.
• C. Men do no childcare at all.
• D. Women's paid employment is unaffected by childcare.

Answer: (A)

Bouton is highlighting a measurement issue in how we study the domestic division of labour. She argues that survey data on men’s childcare can be biased because respondents tend to present themselves in a more egalitarian light or because questions frame “childcare” in ways that overstate actual time spent. As a result, surveys can overestimate how much childcare men actually do. When researchers use more detailed methods like time-use diaries, the picture often shows men spending far less time on childcare than surveys suggest. So the best statement captures this link between survey methods and an inflated impression of paternal childcare.

Bouton is highlighting a measurement issue in how we study the domestic division of labour. She argues that survey data on men’s childcare can be biased because respondents tend to present themselves in a more egalitarian light or because questions frame “childcare” in ways that overstate actual time spent. As a result, surveys can overestimate how much childcare men actually do. When researchers use more detailed methods like time-use diaries, the picture often shows men spending far less time on childcare than surveys suggest. So the best statement captures this link between survey methods and an inflated impression of paternal childcare.