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Jun 19, 20261
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Pew Study Reveals Persistent Gender Gaps Among Full-Time Working Parents
A new Pew Research Center study of 2,242 full-time working parents reveals that most experience blurred boundaries between work and family, with mothers consistently reporting greater burdens in chores, childcare, and career advancement. The survey also shows a rise in dual-income households, driven by college-educated mothers, while highlighting persistent gender gaps in perceptions of household duties and the emotional impact of missing children's activities.

Quick Facts
Who
Pew Research Center
What
conducted a survey on work-family balance
When
March 2-15, 2026
Where
United States
- conducted a survey on work-family balance
- reported juggling parenting and work tasks
- found gender gaps in chores and emotional impact
- analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data on dual-income households
- Pew Research Center
A new Pew Research Center study highlights the ongoing challenges faced by full-time working parents in the United States, revealing significant differences in how mothers and fathers experience the balance between work and family life. The survey, which polled 2,242 working parents from March 2 to 15, found that a majority of both moms and dads frequently juggle parenting and work responsibilities simultaneously. However, mothers consistently report a greater burden, from household chores to the emotional toll of missing children's activities.
According to the study, 70% of full-time working parents say they sometimes handle parenting tasks while at work or take on work duties while caring for their children. This blending of roles is more pronounced among mothers, with 81% saying they parent at work at least sometimes, compared to 62% of fathers. Similarly, 63% of moms and 57% of dads report working while with their kids. "One of the major findings we have from this study is just a large share of parents who experience these blurred boundaries between family and work," said Luona Lin, a research associate and co-author of the study. "And we find that moms often carry more of the mental load."
The study also examined the broader landscape of dual-income households. As of 2025, 52% of married or cohabiting couples with children under 18 have both parents working full time, up from 46% a decade ago and 31% in 1975. This increase has been driven primarily by mothers with college degrees. Among mothers with bachelor's degrees, 56% worked full time in 2025, up from 50% in 2000, while those with postgraduate degrees saw an increase from 59% to 69%. In contrast, the share of mothers without college degrees working full time remained largely flat at 43%.
Feelings of guilt and frustration are widespread. A striking 92% of full-time working parents said they were upset when work caused them to miss their children's activities, with 55% describing themselves as "extremely" or "very" upset. Once again, mothers bore the brunt of these emotions: 65% of moms said they were extremely or very upset, compared to 45% of dads. "It's not to say dads aren't experiencing any of the challenges in balancing work and family lives," Lin noted. "It's just that moms are experiencing more of it."
Disparities also emerge in perceptions of household responsibilities. While 63% of full-time working mothers said they do most of the chores, only 25% of fathers agreed; instead, half of the dads said chores are equally divided. Additionally, 58% of all working parents reported not having enough time to exercise, a challenge more acute for mothers (65%) than fathers (52%). The study underscores that as families adapt to changing work patterns, the emotional and practical loads continue to fall disproportionately on women.
Why This Matters
This study provides actionable insight for employers and policymakers: the persistent gender gaps in work-family balance, particularly in chores and emotional toll, signal a need for workplace policies like flexible hours, childcare support, and mental health resources tailored to parents. For working mothers, the findings quantify the 'mental load' disparity, emphasizing the importance of equitable home partnerships. The trend of rising dual-income households, especially among college-educated mothers, also affects the labor market and consumer spending, making this relevant for HR strategists and economic analysts.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1975
Wire31% of married or cohabiting couples with children had both parents working full time.
Jan 1, 2000
Wire46% of mothers without college degrees worked full time; 50% of mothers with bachelor's degrees and 59% with postgraduate degrees worked full time.
Jan 1, 2025
Wire52% of couples with children had both parents working full time; 56% of mothers with bachelor's degrees and 69% with postgraduate degrees worked full time.
Jun 19, 2026
WirePew Research Center published the survey findings.