Time use survey 2014-2015: results for Scotland

4. Time Use And Gender Significant Variations

The principal variations in time use between genders in Scotland were as follows.

Paid work:Men spent an average of 184 minutes on paid work per day, compared to an average of 113 minutes per day amongst women. Considering only those participating in paid work on a given day, men spent an average of 447 minutes, or 7 hours and 27 minutes per day, on these activities, compared to an average of 380 minutes, or 6 hours and 20 minutes, spent by women.

Unpaid work:Women spent an average of 310 minutes per day on unpaid work, which was significantly higher than the average of 230 minutes per day spent by men. Unpaid work combines a large number of variables, including housework, childcare, construction and repairs, gardening and pet care, shopping, services and household management, childcare for others, help to others, volunteering and travel. Areas of significant variation are discussed below.

Housework: Women spent an average of 123 minutes per day on housework, which was significantly higher than the average of 57 minutes per day spent by men.

Shopping, Services and Household Management:Women spent an average of 40 minutes per day on shopping, services and household management, which was significantly higher than the average of 30 minutes per day spent by men.

Childcare for their own Children: Women spent an average of 35 minutes per day on childcare for resident children, which was significantly higher than the average of 16 minutes per day spent by men. Amongst men and women aged 25-44, women spent an average of 93 minutes per day on this activity, compared to an average of 40 minutes spent by men. Focusing only on those participating in childcare on a given day, men spent an average of 106 minutes per day on this activity, compared to an average of 143 minutes spent by women.

Travel: Men spent an average of 91 minutes per day on travel – including both leisure related travel and commuting - which was significantly higher than the average of 74 minutes per day spent by women.

Construction and Repairs: Men spent an average of six minutes per day on construction and repairs, which was significantly higher than the average of two minutes per day spent by women.

Leisure: Men spent an average of 254 minutes per day on TV and other leisure, which was significantly higher than the average of 207 minutes per day spent on this activity by women. Men also spent more time on sports and outdoor activities, at an average of 27 minutes per day, compared to an average 15 minutes per day amongst women. Women spent significantly more time on social life, culture and entertainment at an average of 66 minutes per day, compared to an average of 53 minutes per day amongst men.