Record High: Men Out of Workforce Due to Childcare, Housework

In the first quarter of this year, the number of men recorded as economically inactive due to childcare and housework reached 274,000, the highest figure for the first quarter since 2004. Men primarily responsible for housework increased by 16.5% year-on-year to 261,000, while those responsible for childcare rose by 18.2% year-on-year to 13,000. The number of men who are economically inactive due to domestic chores and childcare grew from 145,000 in the first quarter of 2004 to 206,000 in the first quarter of 2022.

During the same period, the number of women who are economically inactive due to domestic chores and childcare decreased by 1.9% year-on-year to 6,536,000.

This shift reflects changes in traditional gender roles and improved social perceptions, creating an environment where men can dedicate themselves to childcare and housework. The increasing number of women in professional roles, many of whom earn more than their male partners, has also influenced this trend.