Household Responsibilities, Spousal Support, and Gender Equality: Public Attitudes in Uzbekistan and Central Asia
Keywords:
Gender roles, career development, spousal support, women in Uzbekistan, work-family conflict, labor divisionAbstract
This study examines public perceptions of gender roles, household
responsibilities, and women’s career advancement in Uzbekistan, drawing on comparative
data from the Life in Transition Survey IV. While female labor force participation is
increasing, cultural norms and spousal attitudes continue to influence the opportunities
available to women. Findings reveal that although most respondents support shared
household and childcare duties, traditional expectations persist, particularly regarding
women’s domestic roles. Public acceptance of equal income contribution between spouses
is widespread, yet strong agreement levels are lower than in neighboring Central Asian
countries. The analysis highlights the nuanced interplay between progress toward gender
equality and enduring traditional norms, offering insights for policymakers and advocates of
women’s economic empowerment.
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