Survey of Gender Gaps in Unpaid Care, Individual and Social Activities (CARE)

Objective: The survey focused on gender differences in unpaid care to better understand how they impact job opportunities, the work–life balance, leisure and social activities of women and men.
Method: The survey was carried out in all 27 EU Member States, with a total sample size of over 60 000 respondents. In most countries, data was collected through computer-assisted web interviews (CAWIs) using established online access panels (non-probability sampling). In Luxembourg and Malta respondents were interviewed using computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATIs). The survey targeted respondents from 16 to 74 years, with the exceptions of Luxembourg (16+), Malta (16+) and Romania (16–64). The fieldwork took place between August and November 2022.
The CAWI samples were quota samples set for age, gender and NUTS region. Target quotas were based on Eurostat official statistics and reflected the stratification of the category for the population in a Member State. The samples in Luxembourg and Malta were based on a dual-frame CATI RDD probability sample. The RDD approach involved generating telephone numbers using a machine by randomly adding the last set of digits to known valid area codes and exchange numbers. No quotas were applied in Luxembourg or Malta, as the sampling was random. Any discrepancies between the net sample and representative figures were adjusted with weighting.
Questionnaire content: The survey questionnaire has five key thematic sections: informal long-term care, informal childcare, housework, leisure and volunteering. An additional section collected information on the use of different means of transport, the use of digital tools and eco-friendly considerations in informal care. The questionnaire also included background questions on individual and household characteristics and questions on respondents’ views on gender roles.