DIVISION OF HOUSEHOLD LABOR AND CHILD-CARE IN DUAL-EARNER AFRICAN-AMERICAN FAMILIES WITH INFANTS

This study examined 63 middle- to lower-middle income dual-earner Afri can-American mothers' and fathers' involvement in child care with thei r infant and in household work, and the degree of support they receive d for child care. Although analysis revealed gender-differentiated pat terns of involvement in care giving and household work along tradition al lines, African-American fathers were far from being distant or unin volved in these activities. Father involvement in child care and house hold activities did not vary as a function of whether mothers worked f ull time or part times. The data are discussed with respect to possibl e gender role convergence in child care and household work in African- American families.