Maids, Appliances and Couples' Housework: The Demand for Inputs to Domestic Production

Maids, household appliances and housework time are key inputs to domestic production. This study uses data from the UK and France to estimate the effects of resource prices on the demand for these inputs. We conclude that higher opportunity costs of time increase the likelihood of having maid services and appliances. Women's time costs are also positively related to his housework time and negatively related to hers. Finally, maid service appears to be a closer substitute for housework time on weekend days than weekdays, suggesting smaller labour supply effects than anticipated by earlier literature.