My first Publication GenderedDistributionOfLabour(clone) | Seite 7

Therefore, she comes up with some public policy proposals regarding this matter. She
proposes a shared responsibility for childrearing through subsidised day-care, after-school
programs, and pregnancy and birthing leave for women and parental leave for both men and
women. (ibid.: 175-177). This also means that not only after birth, but also until the child
comes to an appropriate age, both parents should be allowed to have flexible hours from
work, so that both parents can share the responsibility of childrearing. Also, in order to teach
children to be just, the author proposes that schools should hire an equal amount of men and
women in administration and teaching, so as the child will learn that there is essentially no
inequality between genders. (ibid.: 177).
Other scholars such as Anca Gheaus and Ingrid Robeyns (2011) also suggest a policy
regarding parental leave in order to eliminate the division of labour within the family. It is
believed that families should abide by three key values: “the pursuit of individual plans and
goals, the provision of parental care to meet dependents’ needs, and the achievement of
gender fairness.” (p. 173). Due to societal constraints, women find it difficult to follow these
values. That is why, any parental leave policy must follow these three key values in order to
be effective. Gheaus and Robeyns (2011) state that if an appropriate parental leave policy is a
default option both are more likely to take it. Here, they give an example of organ donation
schemes. If the organ donation scheme is an opt-out system, then everyone is an organ donor;
except if anyone decides opt-out. The same goes for the parental leave policy. If the policy is
a default one, people are more likely to stay with it. This shows what a big impact this factor
has on public policy making. (ibid.: 183).
Furthermore, another policy to combat the gendered division of labour is the implementation
of a basic income for women. Robeyns (2001) believe that the effects of this policy can be
either positive or negative, depending on the woman. It is argued that a basic income
proposal does not actually solve the issue of the gendered distribution of labour by its own,
only if it is part of a bigger policy which ensures equality and freedom for everyone, not just
some. (p. 88). Moreover, Robeyns (2011) believes that domestic work should be revalued and
redistributed according to the principles of justice. She believes that as long as domestic work
is undervalued, a just distribution will not be possible. Thus, a solution to this problem would
be to implement a universal citizen’s duty to care. (p. 283).
These policies could all have a positive effect on the gendered distribution of labour. If
implemented, not only will women be able to have the same opportunities as men in pursuing
7 | Page